PNNL and BaySpec Launch Compact Mass Spectrometry System for Rapid Narcotics Detection

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s (PNNL) VaporID, which is a newly developed portable air sampling system incorporating a miniaturized mass spectrometer (MS), can detect trace levels of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and even explosives like TNT with great accuracy, the laboratory announced in a press release (1). Because of its success, BaySpec, an optical products manufacturer, is commercializing this instrument, which will be produced later in 2025 (1,2).

The new system employs a technique known as noncontact detection, which collects airborne molecules and analyzes them in real time using a miniature mass spectrometer (1). The VaporID device was first developed in 2020. The device won GeekWire’s Innovation of the Year award that same year (2). At the 2025 American Society for Mass Spectrometry (ASMS) conference in Baltimore Maryland, Krisztian Torma, a BaySpec scientist and one of the lead developers, presented the latest test results of the device. The VaporID device was field-tested at the U.S.–Mexico border crossing in Nogales, Arizona. Working with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, the device was able to successfully identify trace amounts of fentanyl, as well as other narcotics including MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine, ketamine, and cocaine (1).

Traditional methods for drug detection, especially at border crossings and secure facilities, have relied on swabbing surfaces and K9 units (1). However, these methods can be limited in scope and come with a specific set of challenges that limit effectiveness.

Although slightly less sensitive than its larger predecessors, the portable unit still detects fentanyl concentrations as low as six parts per trillion (ppt) (1). This means that the device can detect the faintest airborne trace of the potent synthetic opioid. In the laboratory, earlier versions have even identified substances at 10 parts per quadrillion, equivalent to locating a single pine needle in all the forests of the state of Washington (1).

Another important innovation is how quickly the device can conduct its analysis. The researchers determined that fentanyl and related drugs can be detected in seconds, which improves on current methods that usually take 5–30 minutes.

Part of the reason why this device can conduct more rapid analysis lies in the instrument’s atmospheric flow tube. Developed by Robert Ewing, a senior research chemist, a project manager, and technical team leader for the Chemistry and Materials team, and his team at PNNL, the tube allows for extended interaction between airborne fentanyl molecules and specially tagged ions that help isolate the target compounds quickly (1). These charged ions act like gatekeepers, enabling only the substances of interest to enter the mass spectrometer for precise identification (1).

Fentanyl, explosives, and other drugs have low vapor pressure, which means that they do not willingly evaporate and release very few molecules into the air. Given the fact that there are often other interfering chemicals in the air, this presents a detection challenge. The VaporID system overcomes this hurdle by filtering out irrelevant vapors and enhancing signal clarity (1).

The success of the VaporID system is the result of a two-year collaboration between PNNL and BaySpec. With plans to commercialize the system by the end of the year, BaySpec aims to bring this advanced narcotics and explosives detection tool into routine use at ports of entry, airports, shipping facilities, and public event venues (1).

This research was funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate. In addition to Ewing, PNNL contributors include Elizabeth Denis, Shannon Schrader, Garrett Hart, and Megan Nims. At BaySpec, the development team featured Torma, Nathan Grimes, Mike Chai, and William Yang Terziyan (1).

Recently, Spectroscopy sat down with Ewing to discuss the field-test results. Over the next few days, we will present our interview with Ewing, which will cover the technology behind the VaporID system, why it’s different from current IMS systems, the system’s advantages, and more.

We are looking forward to sharing this interview series with you starting tomorrow.

References

1. Rickey, T. Chemists Develop Contactless System to Detect Fentanyl, Other Drugs. PNNL.gov. Available at: https://www.pnnl.gov/news-media/chemists-develop-contactless-system-detect-fentanyl-other-drugs (accessed 2025-07-08).
2. Koller, G. PNNL’s Vapor Detection Technology Named GeekWire’s ‘Innovation of the Year’. PNNL.gov. Available at: https://www.pnnl.gov/news-media/pnnls-vapor-detection-technology-named-geekwires-innovation-year (accessed 2025-07-08).