Best of the Week: Noncontact Detection of Narcotics, Analyzing Plant-Based Proteins

This week, Spectroscopy published articles highlighting recent studies in several application areas, including drug discovery, forensic analysis, and food analysis. Key techniques highlighted in these articles include mass spectrometry (MS), near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Happy reading!

Highlighting the Nogales Border Test

Developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) by Robert Ewing and his team, the VaporID system is a miniaturized, noncontact drug detection device capable of identifying trace substances like fentanyl. Since its creation in 2020, it has undergone rigorous testing, including a field trial at the Nogales border in collaboration with BaySpec scientist Krisztian Torma and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (1). The device’s noninvasive detection has significant implications for border security and public safety. Ewing, a senior chemist with expertise in ion mobility and MS, shared insights on VaporID’s technology and field performance in a three-part interview series.

Drone-Mounted Infrared Camera Sees Invisible Methane Leaks in Real Time

In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, the research team describes a compact, drone-mounted methane imaging system developed by researchers at the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde (2). Using tunable near-infrared lasers and a shortwave infrared (SWIR) camera, the device visualizes methane leaks in real time by detecting gas absorption at 1653 nm (2). Designed for aerial use, it overcomes motion artifacts with image-processing algorithms and stabilizers, enabling precise leak detection even in flight. Field tests showed it could detect methane at 5000 ppm·m from 13.6 meters (2). The system offers a safer, faster alternative to ground inspections and promises broader application in future infrastructure monitoring.

Noncontact Detection of Narcotics and Illicit Substances

At the 2025 ASMS conference, BaySpec scientist Krisztian Torma presented field results from the VaporID system, a portable device developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) for detecting trace drug levels, including fentanyl, without surface contact. Tested at the U.S.–Mexico border, the system showed strong potential for border security applications. Robert Ewing, a senior chemist at PNNL with over 20 years of experience in ion mobility and mass spectrometry, led its development. In Part I of our conversation with Ewing, he discusses the technology’s advantages over traditional IMS systems, challenges of miniaturization, and its implications for drug detection, public safety, and real-time field deployment (3).

New Review Highlights Vibrational Spectroscopy as Essential for Quality Control in Plant-Based Proteins

A recent review article published in Trends in Food Science & Technology by researchers at the Izmir Institute of Technology explores how vibrational spectroscopy techniques, including FT-IR, NIR, and Raman spectroscopy, are enhancing the analysis of plant-based proteins (4). These non-destructive methods help assess protein composition and structure in meat alternatives, addressing the limitations of traditional techniques like Kjeldahl and Dumas. Despite challenges like spectral overlap and water interference, advances in chemometrics and AI have improved its accuracy and usability (4). As a result, chemometrics and AI are being integrated with spectroscopic tools like MS and hyperspectral imaging (HSI), which has helped advance real-time, in-line food monitoring. As plant-based diets rise, these techniques are key to ensuring quality, authenticity, and sustainability (4).

Advancing Deep Soil Moisture Monitoring with AI-Powered Spectroscopy Drones

A study published in Sensors by Virginia Tech researchers demonstrates how drone-mounted hyperspectral sensors and machine learning (ML) can revolutionize soil moisture monitoring for precision agriculture. Using hyperspectral imaging and artificial neural networks (ANNs), the team accurately estimated soil moisture at 10 cm and 30 cm depths beneath cornfields (5). The models performed best in non-irrigated plots, where canopy reflectance changes indicated root-zone water stress. Although limited to sandy soil and corn, the study highlights UAVs' ability to provide detailed, real-time insights (5). The research suggests integrating additional variables and broader testing to improve accuracy and expand applications for smarter, more sustainable farming (5).

References

1. Wetzel, W. Highlighting the Nogales Border Test. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/highlighting-the-nogales-border-test (accessed 2025-07-10).
2. Workman, Jr., J. Drone-Mounted Infrared Camera Sees Invisible Methane Leaks in Real Time. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/drone-mounted-infrared-camera-sees-invisible-methane-leaks-in-real-time (accessed 2025-07-09).
3. Wetzel, W. Noncontact Detection of Narcotics and Illicit Substances. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/noncontact-detection-of-narcotics-and-illicit-substances (accessed 2025-07-09).
4. Wetzel, W. New Review Highlights Vibrational Spectroscopy as Essential for Quality Control in Plant-Based Proteins. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/new-review-highlights-vibrational-spectroscopy-as-essential-for-quality-control-in-plant-based-proteins (accessed 2025-07-09).
5. Workman, Jr., J. Advancing Deep Soil Moisture Monitoring with AI-Powered Spectroscopy Drones. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/advancing-deep-soil-moisture-monitoring-with-ai-powered-spectroscopy-drones (accessed 2025-07-09).