Low-cost Portable Raman Instrument, a Tool toward Counterfeit Medication Identification

FH-HES Universities of Applied Sciences

Authors

  • Jean-Pascal Bourgeois Institute of Chemical Technologie (Chemtech), Haute Ecole d'Ingénierie et d'Architechture de Fribourg, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Boulevard de Pérolles 80, CH-1700 Fribourg;, Email: jean-pascal.bourgeois@hefr.ch
  • Olivier Vorlet Institute of Chemical Technologie (Chemtech), Haute Ecole d'Ingénierie et d'Architechture de Fribourg, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Boulevard de Pérolles 80, CH-1700 Fribourg

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2018.905

PMID:

30648962

Keywords:

Acetaminophen, Consumer electronics, Counterfeit drugs, Raman spectroscopy, Social networks

Abstract

We have successfully built a low-cost (under 500 CHF) portable Raman spectrometer based on scavenged, consumer electronics. The instrument prototype is designed as a tool to help identify counterfeit medication in low-income countries. As a proof of concept, we confirmed the presence of acetaminophen, a type of analgesic, in over-the-counter drugs from around the world.

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Published

2018-12-19