ARMADILLO Showcased at IMA-2025: Advancing Detection of GHB with Optimized SERS Substrates

Between 14–17 September 2025, ARMADILLO was represented at the 14th International Conference on Instrumental Methods of Analysis (IMA-2025) in Argostoli, Kefalonia. The conference, organized by the National Technical University of Athens and the University of Patras, gathered leading researchers to discuss cutting-edge innovations in analytical science.

ARMADILLO partners presented the study “Optimization of silver-coated nanostructured boehmite surfaces as substrates for SERS”, highlighting recent advancements in substrate fabrication for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). The work focused on developing boehmite-based surfaces coated with thin silver layers, which significantly boost the Raman signal intensity.

Key Highlights of the Research

• Enhanced performance: The substrates developed within ARMADILLO demonstrated signal enhancement factors exceeding those of commercially available alternatives, when tested with Rhodamine 6G and uric acid.
• Reliable detection: By optimizing the silver layer thickness, researchers achieved uniform, reproducible, and highly sensitive SERS signals.
• Application to GHB detection: These substrates are now being applied for the detection of Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in beverages and biological fluids. Due to its colorless, odorless nature and rapid metabolism, GHB is notoriously difficult to detect with conventional methods. The ARMADILLO innovation provides a powerful tool to overcome this challenge.

Contribution to ARMADILLO’s Mission

This breakthrough directly supports ARMADILLO’s mission to equip law enforcement authorities and forensic experts with portable, rapid, and accurate tools for detecting GHB in drug-facilitated crimes. By leveraging advanced nanostructured substrates, ARMADILLO strengthens the reliability of forensic evidence—helping protect communities and support justice in cases of sexual assault and related crimes.

The presentation at IMA-2025 received strong interest from the scientific community, reinforcing ARMADILLO’s position at the forefront of research and innovation in forensic detection technologies.

(The work was co-authored by scientists from NCSR “Demokritos” and ThetaMetrisis S.A., with funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, Grant Agreement No. 101168416 – ARMADILLO.)