Dr. Lenka Halamkova, Ph.D. Lab News Department of Environmental Toxicology

3-16-26

Using Multi-Modal Spectroscopic and Biomedical Approaches for Fentanyl Detection

At Pittcon 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, several talks took place that highlighted the applicability of spectroscopic techniques in application areas, such as biological, clinical, and medical analysis. One of those talks, which was titled, “Multi-Modal Spectroscopic and Biochemical Approaches for Fentanyl Detection: Integrating Raman, ATR-FTIR, and Enzyme Kinetics Analysis,” demonstrated how protein structures can be altered by fentanyl exposure, and how attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy can be used to analyze fentanyl detection.1

This talk was delivered Dr. Lenka Halámková, who is an assistant professor of high-dimensional data analysis at Texas Tech University. Her research focuses on applying machine learning and multivariate statistical methods to vibrational spectroscopic data for forensic and biomedical applications.2 Her work includes developing techniques to detect and classify biological stains, gunshot residue, and other trace evidence, as well as using enzymatic sensors and biochemical computing to analyze biological markers associated with characteristics such as sex and ethnicity.2 She also studies enzyme inhibition mechanisms and develops rapid diagnostic approaches, including Raman spectroscopy–based methods for detecting Chronic Wasting Disease in wildlife.

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8-26-25
Dr. Lenka Halamkova has found how to detect long-term fentanyl exposure without drawing  blood or relying on short detection windows? 

Dr. Halamkova and her lab has found an innovative method that combines ATR-FTIR spectroscopy with machine learning to detect fentanyl in human nails. This approach offers a unique advantage by reflecting a history of exposure over weeks to months.

 

This powerful new tool could reshape how we approach:
• Forensic toxicology
• Addiction recovery monitoring
• Parole and law enforcement testing
• Workplace drug exposure screening

Read More

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