A chromatographic paper-based electrochemical device to determine Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in cannabis oil

Abstract

Cannabis oil has become a popular product in the Thai and global markets. Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol are the most common compounds found in the cannabis plant family. In cannabis oil, the level of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol contained in products can cause side effects on human health. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly control its quantity to be safe during use. Herein, we are proud to propose, for the first time, the use of a paper-based device as a platform for the simultaneous determination of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol by electrochemical detection. Due to their similar redox potential, the first challenge is to distinguish between them. Thus, a chromatographic paper-based electrochemical device was designed and fabricated to serve this purpose before analysis by electrochemistry. Separation can be accomplished within 20 min, followed by detection using a cobalt phthalocyanine-modified screen-printed graphene electrode. All steps can be performed on the same device. With the beneficial features of low cost, high sensitivity, and portability, the proposed device is suitable as an alternative tool for the on-site determination of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in cannabis oil. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.