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[EN] Synthetic cathinones are a class of new psychoactive substances whose consumption has increased a lot and is widespread throughout the world. Thus, there is currently a need for rapid and simple detection of these drugs. In particular, detection of synthetic cathinones in oral fluid in drivers can be of great importance in preventing traffic accidents. Herein, we report two probes, based on BODIPY derivatives combined with Cu(ii), which are able to detect these drugs both in water and in oral fluid, by changes in color and fluorescence. The determined limits of detection for ephedrone (as a model drug) are lower than the usual concentrations in saliva after intake of this type of drug. The sensing mechanism seems to be related to the cathinone induced reduction of Cu(ii) to Cu(i) with concomitants changes in the BODIPY structure., We thank the Spanish Government, MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and "ERDF A way of making Europe" (fund RTL2018-100910-B-C42), the Spanish Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Welfare (Project 2020I040 PNSD 2020) and Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO 2018/024) for financial support. SCSIE (Universitat de Valencia) is gratefully acknowledged for all the equipment employed. NMR was registered at the U26 facility of ICTS "NAMBIOSIS" at the Universitat of Valencia.

Biogenic polyamines, especially spermine and spermidine, are associated with cell growth and development. These amines can be found at high concentrations in the tumor cells, tissues, and urine of cancer patients. In contrast, spermidine levels drop with age, and a possible connection between low endogenous spermidine concentrations and age-related deterioration has been suggested. Thus, the quantification of these amines in body fluids like urine could be used in the diagnosis of different pathological situations. Here a new fluorescent molecular probe based on a tetraphenylethylene derivative is reported. This probe is able to selectively detect these amines through the enhancement of the fluorescence emission of the resulting complex. This fluorescence enhancement may be related to restricted intramolecular rotations of TPE phenyl rings induced by the analyte. Theoretical studies were carried out to shed light on the observed selectivity. Finally, the detection of these amines in urine was performed with limits of detection of 0.70 µM and 1.17 µM for spermine and spermidine, respectively.

Consumption and abuse of drugs is a general problem, which concerns our entire society. In some cases, drugs are used for recreational purposes; but in others, they are used to commit crimes such as Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA). In other cases, this consumption alters the consumer mood in such a way that risky situations can rise. In any case, detection of drugs in different environment is worthwhile. Here, two new chromogenic and fluorescent probes are reported. Detection of both cathinone derivatives and γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) can be carried out with naked-eye with limits of detection of 0.4 μM and 0.3 μM for GHB and 2.0 μM for ephedrone. Selectivity in the presence of other drugs has been tested. Sensing mechanisms have been studied using different spectroscopic techniques and they have been also corroborated through theoretical calculations.