Further development of a cannabis biosensor

虽然警察经常用路边的测试设备检测酒精中毒，但类似的技术还没有用于检测其他药物，包括可卡因、甲基苯丙胺、各种处方药或大麻。我们正在开发一种新的传感器平台，通过将定制设计的蛋白质与电化学检测相结合，可以靶向这些化合物。我们最初的重点是四氢大麻酚，这是大麻的主要活性成分。由于一些司法管辖区已经将成年人使用大麻合法化，公众舆论也支持包括加拿大在内的许多其他司法管辖区将大麻合法化，因此开发一种路边检测四氢大麻酚的方法将特别及时，并解决一个紧迫的公共安全问题。我们的传感器将由我们的合作伙伴“酒精对抗系统”进行商业化，这将为执法部门提供一种打击醉酒驾驶的新工具，从而改善公共安全。这项工作将为ACS提供一个概念验证传感器，并为进一步发展精神药物路边测试的新兴领域提供一个平台。

Although police routinely test for alcohol intoxication with roadside testing devices, similar technology does not exist for other drugs, including cocaine, methamphatamines, various prescription drugs, or majijuana. We are developing a new sensor platform that can target these compounds by combining custom designed proteins with electrochemical detection. Our initial focus is on THC, which is the main active component in marijuana. The development of a roadside test for THC would be particularly timely and address a pressing public safety issue, as some jurisdictions have legalized marijuana use for adults and public opinion favors legalization in many other jurisdictions, including Canada. Our sensor will be commercialized by our partners, Alcohol Countermeasures Systems, which will improve public safety by providing law enforcement with a new tool in the fight against intoxicated driving. This work will provide ACS with a proof-of-concept sensor and a platform for further development in the emerging area of roadside testing for psychotropic drugs.