Pauline Leary, Ph.D., CBRNE Subject Matter Expert at NOBLE®, recently published research on a method for the rapid detection of fentanyl using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) instruments. Dr. Leary and her colleagues, Dr. Kendra Keenan, Dr. Koby Kizzire, and Professor Brooke W. Kammrath, detailed a method to detect fentanyl at concentrations as low as 0.1% (w/w) in acetaminophen (1). The article, titled Automatic Detection of Low Concentrations of Fentanyl in Acetaminophen Using Commercial Off-the-Shelf Non-Radioactive Ionization Ion Mobility Spectrometry, was published in the December issue of "Applied Spectroscopy Practica", a publication of the Society for Applied Spectroscopy.
The article discusses the prevalent problem of illicit fentanyl use, particularly due to small amounts of fentanyl being mixed with other drugs and cutting agents to disguise its presence, and the dangers posed by these unknown quantities of fentanyl to illicit drug users, first responders, and the public. Dr. Leary and her colleagues conducted a study to determine whether commercially available, portable ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) instruments could quickly detect trace amounts of fentanyl contraband. The research showed how the team was able to detect even minute amounts of fentanyl in acetaminophen successfully. This finding will have applications for expediting field detection of illicit fentanyl.
Nomination for the Peter Griffiths Award
On July 21, Dr. Leary was notified that the publication was selected for an honorable mention in the Peter Griffiths Award selection process for papers published in "Applied Spectroscopy Practica" in 2025. The Peter Griffiths Award is an annual honor presented by the Society for Applied Spectroscopy (SAS) to recognize the authors of the best scientific paper published each year in the journal.
The award is named in honor of Professor Peter R. Griffiths, a legendary figure in vibrational spectroscopy and a former president of the Society for Applied Spectroscopy. He is widely recognized for his pioneering contributions to Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, having authored seminal textbooks and co-edited the definitive five-volume "Handbook of Vibrational Spectroscopy".
About Pauline E. Leary, Ph.D.
Pauline Leary is a Subject Matter Expert at NOBLE focused on supporting the development and application of miniature and portable spectroscopic instruments. These systems have transformed analytical capabilities in the field by enabling on-site detection and identification of dangerous threats. She has contributed extensively to advancing portable methods, exploring how miniaturization can improve accessibility and performance for forensic science, hazardous materials identification, military operations, and law enforcement. Dr. Leary is also a co-author and editor of the authoritative two-volume work, "Portable Spectroscopy and Spectrometry", a comprehensive resource on technologies and applications of portable instruments across disciplines, including pharmaceutical development, environmental science, art conservation, and military HazMat operations. She is a member of the Editorial Board of Sage Journals’ "Applied Spectroscopy Practica".
How NOBLE SMEs Help Support Mission Readiness for our Customers
Implementing detection systems into an organization's CONOPS can be challenging due to the range of potential threats, the complexity of technology platforms, and the difficulty of deploying these systems successfully in the field. NOBLE provides a resource to address these challenges, offering subject-matter expertise in products, training, and services. NOBLE professionals work with strategic partners who develop state-of-the-art equipment, providing the products and training needed to get the job done safely -- protecting first responders, security personnel, warfighters, and the public.
About NOBLE
NOBLE, a leader in global sustainment and operations support for the U.S. Military and civilian government, offers an unparalleled range of mission-critical products and services. Our supply chain contains over 15,000 suppliers and millions of products. We carry top brands and cutting-edge solutions across six domains: aerospace, C5ISR, CBRNE, expeditionary, MRO, and tactical. With strategically located fulfillment centers and operations in the U.S., Europe, Middle East, and Asia, we rapidly deploy routine and emergency orders, even to high-risk geographical areas.
Threats of terrorism, war, and climate change are growing global concerns, leading to increased requirements for CBRNE defense. In response, NOBLE offers comprehensive solutions to assess, counter, and neutralize these threats. Our products and services include PPE, turnout gear, respirators, portable analytic instruments, area monitoring systems, uncrewed systems, people screening, training, and lifecycle sustainment. By streamlining acquisition through 150 contract vehicles, NOBLE ensures customers are well-equipped to face CBRNE threats.
References
1. Leary, P. E., Keenan, K., Kizzire, K., & Kammrath, B. W. (2025). Automatic Detection of Low Concentrations of Fentanyl in Acetaminophen Using Commercial Off-the-Shelf Non-Radioactive Ionization Ion Mobility Spectrometry. "Applied Spectroscopy Practica". https://doi.org/10.1177/27551857251390917
