Drug Retention and Degradation in Environmental Biofilms
EMSL Project ID
48256
Abstract
Biofilms are found in most environments, particularly at the interfaces of solid, liquid, and atmospheric environments, and may range in appearance from the dry desert varnish found on rock surfaces in arid environments to the more familiar “slimes” including periphyton found in aquatic environments. The structure of a biofilm allows microorganisms to form a distinct microenvironment that is separate from, yet interactive with the surrounding environment. A critical feature is the matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) secreted by cells that reside in the biofilm. The EPS is composed of a heterogeneous mixture of polysaccharides, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins. Each component of the EPS plays a particular role in providing protection, sorption capabilities, nutrient/waste processing, and more. In this study, We aim to show that biofilms, derived from laboratory sink drains, can capture/retain drugs of abuse (methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, gamma-hydroxybutyrate, and methylone) from the aqueous environment. Subsequently, we aim to determine the length of time that these chemicals can be detected by isolation from the biofilm and testing via LC/MS. A secondary aim is to determine degradation and transformation products of these drugs that arise in a biofilm and whether these can be used to establish a degradation timeline. This will allow us to establish markers indicative of the elapsed time between testing and drug spike. To accomplish this goal, we need the advanced instrumentation available at EMSL to provide the high sensitivity/resolution for detection of target analytes from a complex environmental matrix with limited sample. This research will enhance our understanding of environmental biofilms and expands our current knowledge pertaining to a biofilms’ interaction with the surrounding environment. This could lead to tailored biofilms, comprised of specific organisms that can specifically capture and retain environmental signatures. The enhanced ability to detect drugs of abuse in non-traditional locations will also allow us to better quantify their impact on the environment while increasing the forensic toolkit with which officers investigate crimes.
Project Details
Start Date
2014-02-24
End Date
2014-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members