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Kesic B, McCann N, Bowerbank SL, Standley T, Liechti J, Dean JR, Gallidabino MD. Forensic profiling of smokeless powders (SLPs) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS): a systematic investigation into injector conditions and their effect on the characterisation of samples. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024; 416:1907-1922. [PMID: 38332189 PMCID: PMC10901999 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-024-05189-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Smokeless powders (SLPs) are composed of a combination of thermolabile and non-thermolabile compounds. When analysed by GC-MS, injection conditions may therefore play a fundamental role on the characterisation of forensic samples. However, no systematic investigations have ever been carried out. This casts doubt on the optimal conditions that should be adopted in advanced profiling applications (e.g. class attribution and source association), especially when a traditional split/splitless (S/SL) injector is used. Herein, a study is reported that specifically focused on the evaluation of the liner type (Ltype) and inlet temperature (Tinj). Results showed that both could affect the exhaustiveness and repeatability of the observed chemical profiles, with Ltype being particularly sensitive despite typically not being clarified in published works. Perhaps as expected, degradation effects were observed for the most thermolabile compounds (e.g. nitroglycerin) at conditions maximising the heat transfer rates (Ltype = packed and Tinj ≥ 200 °C). However, these did not seem to be as influential as, perhaps, suggested in previous studies. Indeed, the harshest injection conditions in terms of heat transfer rate (Ltype = packed and Tinj = 260 °C) were found to lead to better performances (including better overall %RSDs and LODs) compared to the mildest ones. This suggested that implementing conditions minimising heat-induced breakdowns during injection was not necessarily a good strategy for comparison purposes. The reported findings represent a concrete step forward in the field, providing a robust body of data for the development of the next generation of SLP profiling methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake Kesic
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Niamh McCann
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Samantha L Bowerbank
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Troy Standley
- King's Forensics, Department of Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Jana Liechti
- King's Forensics, Department of Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 9NH, UK
| | - John R Dean
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Matteo D Gallidabino
- King's Forensics, Department of Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 9NH, UK.
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2
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Kuehn M, Bates K, Tyler Davidson J, Monjardez G. Evaluation of handheld Raman spectrometers for the detection of intact explosives. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 353:111875. [PMID: 37924573 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
The detection of intact explosives in the field provides a unique challenge for investigators, considering the sensitive and dangerous nature of these samples. Handheld Raman instruments have grown in popularity for the analysis of unknown samples in the field, combining speed of data collection and reliability with a size that allows for the instruments to be field portable. Handheld Raman instruments are used commonly in the field, and yet there is very little research on the detection capabilities of these instruments, specifically for explosive compounds. The present study aimed to evaluate the detection capabilities of two handheld Raman spectrometers, the Rigaku ResQ-CQL and the Field Forensics HandyRam™, using explosives analytical standards, including 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), nitromethane (NM), ammonium nitrate (AN) and smokeless powder components such as diphenylamine (DPA), ethyl centralite (EC), and methyl centralite (MC). The spectrometers were evaluated on their sensitivity, the repeatability of the data, and the performance of the internal library when available. In addition, an interference study with glass and plastic containers was also performed. Finally, authentic intact explosive samples, including TNT flakes, a mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil (ANFO), smokeless powder and nitromethane were analyzed to evaluate the developed method and test the detection capabilities of the spectrometers with authentic samples. Spectra were reproducible for all the analytes across both instruments, with regards to the peak location and the intensity. Spectra obtained with the Rigaku ResQ-CQL displayed better resolution for all analytes, including the authentic samples. In addition, its wider scan range allowed for the detection of more detailed peaks below 400 cm-1. Identifying the detection capabilities of these handheld instruments can therefore help guide investigators on how to best utilize them in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makenzie Kuehn
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA
| | - Kevin Bates
- Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office, Conroe, TX, USA
| | - J Tyler Davidson
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA
| | - Geraldine Monjardez
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA.
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3
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Serol M, Ahmad SM, Quintas A, Família C. Chemical Analysis of Gunpowder and Gunshot Residues. Molecules 2023; 28:5550. [PMID: 37513421 PMCID: PMC10386329 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of firearms is of paramount importance for investigating crimes involving firearms, as it establishes the link between a particular firearm and firearm-related elements found at a crime scene, such as projectiles and cartridge cases. This identification relies on the visual comparison of such elements against reference samples from suspect firearms or those existing in databases. Whenever this approach is not possible, the chemical analysis of the gunpowder and gunshot residue can provide additional information that may assist in establishing a link between samples retrieved at a crime scene and those from a suspect or in the identification of the corresponding model and manufacturer of the ammunition used. The most commonly used method for the chemical analysis of gunshot residue is scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray, which focuses on the inorganic elements present in ammunition formulation, particularly heavy metals. However, a change in the legal paradigm is pushing changes in these formulations to remove heavy metals due to their potential for environmental contamination and the health hazards they represent. For this reason, the importance of the analysis of organic compounds is leading to the adoption of a different set of analytical methodologies, mostly based on spectroscopy and chromatography. This manuscript reviews the constitution of primer and gunpowder formulations and the analytical methods currently used for detecting, characterising, and identifying their compounds. In addition, this contribution also explores how the information provided by these methodologies can be used in ammunition identification and how it is driving the development of novel applications within forensic ballistics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Serol
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz (IUEM), Campus Universitário-Quinta da Granja, Monte da Caparica, 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Samir Marcos Ahmad
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz (IUEM), Campus Universitário-Quinta da Granja, Monte da Caparica, 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal
- Forensic and Psychological Sciences Laboratory Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário-Quinta da Granja, Monte da Caparica, 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Quintas
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz (IUEM), Campus Universitário-Quinta da Granja, Monte da Caparica, 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal
- Forensic and Psychological Sciences Laboratory Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário-Quinta da Granja, Monte da Caparica, 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Carlos Família
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz (IUEM), Campus Universitário-Quinta da Granja, Monte da Caparica, 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal
- Forensic and Psychological Sciences Laboratory Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário-Quinta da Granja, Monte da Caparica, 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal
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McKeever C, Callan S, Warren S, Dempsey E. Magnetic nanoparticle modified electrodes for voltammetric determination of propellant stabiliser diphenylamine. Talanta 2022; 238:123039. [PMID: 34801896 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.123039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The overall aim of the work was to advance electrochemical devices capable of analysis of forensically relevant residues using rapid electrochemical sensor technology. In order to achieve this, electrochemical detection of the propellant stabiliser diphenylamine (DPA) was achieved via voltammetry with signal enhancement realised in the presence of iron oxide nanoparticle modified transducers. This allowed both mechanistic and analytical evaluation with the aim to achieve the required selectivity and sensitivity for reliable detection. DPA electrochemistry was examined at glassy carbon electrodes in aqueous (3:7 methanol: sodium acetate pH 4.3) electrolyte via potential sweeping, with an irreversible wave at Ep = 0.67 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The diffusion coefficient (D) for the oxidation process was calculated as 1.43 × 10-6 cm2 s-1 with αna = 0.7. DPA electrochemistry in a non aqueous methanol/acetonitrile electrolyte resulted in a D value of 5.47 × 10-8 cm2 s-1 with αna = 0.5. Electrochemical preparation of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles was achieved via electrooxidation of an iron anode in the presence of an amine surfactant followed by characterisation with SEM/EDX, XRD, FTIR and thermal analysis. A surface confined layer of these magnetic nanoparticles served to positively influence the response to DPA while impeding formation of surface confined oxidation products, with generation of an improved analytical signal - sensitivity 1.13× 10-3 A cm-2 mM-1 relative to bare electrode response (9.80 × 10-4 A cm-2 mM-1) over the range 0.5-50 μM DPA using differential pulse voltammetry, with LOD 3.51 × 10-6 M and LOQ 1.17 × 10-5 M. Real sample analysis involved recovery and differential pulse voltammetry of unburnt and burnt gunshot residue with DPA qualitative and quantitative analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colm McKeever
- Department of Chemistry, Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Sarah Callan
- Department of Chemistry, Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Susan Warren
- CREST Technology Gateway, FOCUS Research Institute, Technological University Dublin, Kevin St., Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eithne Dempsey
- Department of Chemistry, Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
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Bekhouche S, Trache D, Chelouche S, Abdelaziz A, Tarchoun AF, Benchaa W, Benameur S, Mezroua A. Investigation of the Thermal Aging Behavior of Pyrotechnic Tracer Composition by Spectroscopic Techniques Coupled with Principal Component Analysis. PROPELLANTS EXPLOSIVES PYROTECHNICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/prep.202100019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Slimane Bekhouche
- Energetic Materials Laboratory Teaching and Research unit of Energetic Processes Ecole Militaire Polytechnique BP 17 Bordj El-Bahri 16046 Algiers Algeria
| | - Djalal Trache
- Energetic Materials Laboratory Teaching and Research unit of Energetic Processes Ecole Militaire Polytechnique BP 17 Bordj El-Bahri 16046 Algiers Algeria
| | - Salim Chelouche
- Energetic Materials Laboratory Teaching and Research unit of Energetic Processes Ecole Militaire Polytechnique BP 17 Bordj El-Bahri 16046 Algiers Algeria
| | - Amir Abdelaziz
- Energetic Materials Laboratory Teaching and Research unit of Energetic Processes Ecole Militaire Polytechnique BP 17 Bordj El-Bahri 16046 Algiers Algeria
| | - Ahmed Fouzi Tarchoun
- Energetic Materials Laboratory Teaching and Research unit of Energetic Processes Ecole Militaire Polytechnique BP 17 Bordj El-Bahri 16046 Algiers Algeria
- Energetic Propulsion Laboratory Teaching and Research unit of Energetic Processes Ecole Militaire Polytechnique BP 17 Bordj El-Bahri 16046 Algiers Algeria
| | - Widad Benchaa
- Energetic Materials Laboratory Teaching and Research unit of Energetic Processes Ecole Militaire Polytechnique BP 17 Bordj El-Bahri 16046 Algiers Algeria
| | - Sabrine Benameur
- Energetic Materials Laboratory Teaching and Research unit of Energetic Processes Ecole Militaire Polytechnique BP 17 Bordj El-Bahri 16046 Algiers Algeria
| | - Abderrahmane Mezroua
- Energetic Materials Laboratory Teaching and Research unit of Energetic Processes Ecole Militaire Polytechnique BP 17 Bordj El-Bahri 16046 Algiers Algeria
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6
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Abstract
Abstract
Background
Gunshot residue (GSR) is a shred of important trace evidence which helps forensic scientists solve a huge range of incidents related to firearms. The identification of the shooter to bullet identification from a gunshot wound help reconstruct a scene of the crime.
Main body
The review of this scientific paper is based on gunshot residue, its composition, and the growing advanced technology which allow us to study about how GSR analysis help to identify and detect residues. Various methods are acquired to identify and analyze organic and inorganic residues present when ammunition is fired. The review highlights the composition of GSR, its collection methods, and analysis part which emphasize on all the methods developed so far. The use of conventional methods including colorimetric and instrumentation-based analysis and advanced technology including electrochemical technique for detecting residues from the last 50 years. Spot tests or chemical tests were performed but they degrade the sample and can sometimes cause hindrance with some other nearby material present at the crime scene. Instrumentation techniques including AAS, ICP-MS, SEM, SEM-EDX, GC, HPLC, etc. are discussed in detail. Mostly advanced electrochemical methods developed are for inorganic gunshot residues (IGSR), but some researchers worked on both residues. Also, the fabricated electrochemical cells are replaced by a single strip-based technique for easy detection. So, to combat these issues, various scientists are moving towards sensor-based methods for rapid and reliable detection. These methods are more user-friendly, sensitive, and cost-effective and provide rapid detection results.
Conclusions
This review results in the composition of GSR, its collection methods, and analysis using sophisticated methods that emphasize all the methods developed so far and it also culminates the merits and demerits of all detection methods.
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López-Lorente ÁI. Recent developments on gold nanostructures for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy: Particle shape, substrates and analytical applications. A review. Anal Chim Acta 2021; 1168:338474. [PMID: 34051992 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2021.338474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful technique for sensitive analysis which is attracting great attention in the last decades. In this review, different gold nanostructures that have been exploited for SERS analysis are described, ranging from gold nanospheres to anisotropic and complex-shaped gold nanostructures, in which the presence of high aspect ratio features leads to an increment of the electromagnetic field at the surface of the nanomaterial, resulting in enhanced SERS response. In addition to the shape of the nanostructure, the interparticle nanogaps play a prominent role in the SERS efficiency. In this sense, different approaches such as nanoaggregation and formation of assemblies and ordered structures lead to the creation of the so-called hot spots. SERS measurements may be performed in solution, while usually the nanostructures are deposited building a SERS substrate, which can be created via attachment of chemically prepared gold nanostructures, as well as via top-down physical methods. Among the classical supports for creating the SERS substrates, in the last years there is a trend towards the development of flexible supports based on polymers as well as paper. Finally, some recent applications of gold nanostructures-based SERS substrates within the analytical field are discussed to spotlight the potential of this technique in real-world analytical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángela I López-Lorente
- Departamento de Química Analítica, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Química Fina y Nanoquímica IUNAN, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, Edificio Marie Curie, E-14071, Córdoba, Spain.
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8
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Charles S, Geusens N, Vergalito E, Nys B. Interpol review of gunshot residue 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2021; 2:416-428. [PMID: 33385140 PMCID: PMC7770441 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in gunshot residue analysis from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadia Geusens
- INCC-NICC, Chaussée de Vilvorde 100, B-1120, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Bart Nys
- INCC-NICC, Chaussée de Vilvorde 100, B-1120, Brussels, Belgium
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9
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Wu J, Zhang L, Huang F, Ji X, Dai H, Wu W. Surface enhanced Raman scattering substrate for the detection of explosives: Construction strategy and dimensional effect. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 387:121714. [PMID: 31818672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technology has been reported to be able to quickly and non-destructively identify target analytes. SERS substrate with high sensitivity and selectivity gave SERS technology a broad application prospect. This contribution aims to provide a detailed and systematic review of the current state of research on SERS-based explosive sensors, with particular attention to current research advances. This review mainly focuses on the strategies for improving SERS performance and the SERS substrates with different dimensions including zero-dimensional (0D) nanocolloids, one-dimensional (1D) nanowires and nanorods, two-dimensional (2D) arrays, and three-dimensional (3D) networks. The effects of elemental composition, the shape and size of metal nanoparticles, hot-spot structure and surface modification on the performance of explosive detection are also reviewed. In addition, the future development tendency and application of SERS-based explosive sensors are prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Wu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information, National Jiangsu Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Fang Huang
- College of Materials Engineering, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xingxiang Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250353, China
| | - Hongqi Dai
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Weibing Wu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250353, China.
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10
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Álvarez Á, Yáñez J. Screening of Gunshot Residue in Skin Using Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR FT-IR) Hyperspectral Microscopy. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2020; 74:400-407. [PMID: 31735068 DOI: 10.1177/0003702819892930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The detection of gunshot residues (GSR) in skin is important in criminal forensic investigations related with firearms. Conventionally, the procedure is based on the detection of metallic or inorganic residues (IGSR). In this work, we propose attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) hyperspectral microscopy as a complementary and nondestructive technique for detection of organic GSR (OGSR). The spectra were acquired from GSR of three ammunition manufacturers, which were collected from shooter's hands by the tape-lifting method. Before spectroscopic analysis, a Na-Ca bleach solution was added to all GSR samples on the tape for destroying skin debris. Positive detection of OGSR spectra were achieved by ATR FT-IR hyperspectral microscopy. Spectra show characteristic patterns of nitrate ester compounds which agrees with the propellant chemical composition. Characteristic ATR FT-IR spectral patterns of OGSR were measured from visualized GSR particles demonstrating the potential of ATR FT-IR hyperspectral microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángela Álvarez
- Departamento de Química Analítica e Inorgánica, Laboratorio de Trazas Elementales y Especiación (LabTres), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Jorge Yáñez
- Departamento de Química Analítica e Inorgánica, Laboratorio de Trazas Elementales y Especiación (LabTres), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
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11
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Fan M, Andrade GFS, Brolo AG. A review on recent advances in the applications of surface-enhanced Raman scattering in analytical chemistry. Anal Chim Acta 2019; 1097:1-29. [PMID: 31910948 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2019.11.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This review is focused on recent developments of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications in Analytical Chemistry. The work covers advances in the fabrication methods of SERS substrates, including nanoparticles immobilization techniques and advanced nanopatterning with metallic features. Recent insights in quantitative and sampling methods for SERS implementation and the development of new SERS-based approaches for both qualitative and quantitative analysis are discussed. The advent of methods for pre-concentration and new approaches for single-molecule SERS quantification, such as the digital SERS procedure, has provided additional improvements in the analytical figures-of-merit for analysis and assays based on SERS. The use of metal nanostructures as SERS detection elements integrated in devices, such as microfluidic systems and optical fibers, provided new tools for SERS applications that expand beyond the laboratory environment, bringing new opportunities for real-time field tests and process monitoring based on SERS. Finally, selected examples of SERS applications in analytical and bioanalytical chemistry are discussed. The breadth of this work reflects the vast diversity of subjects and approaches that are inherent to the SERS field. The state of the field indicates the potential for a variety of new SERS-based methods and technologies that can be routinely applied in analytical laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meikun Fan
- Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, China
| | - Gustavo F S Andrade
- Centro de Estudos de Materiais, Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Campus Universitário s/n, CEP 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Alexandre G Brolo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, PO Box 3055, Victoria, BC, V8W 3V6, Canada; Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology, University of Victoria, V8W 2Y2, Canada.
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12
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Trache D, Tarchoun AF. Analytical Methods for Stability Assessment of Nitrate Esters-Based Propellants. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2019; 49:415-438. [DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2018.1540921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Djalal Trache
- Ecole Militaire Polytechnique, UER Procédés Energétiques, Algiers, Algeria
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13
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Mistek E, Fikiet MA, Khandasammy SR, Lednev IK. Toward Locard's Exchange Principle: Recent Developments in Forensic Trace Evidence Analysis. Anal Chem 2018; 91:637-654. [PMID: 30404441 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b04704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Mistek
- Department of Chemistry , University at Albany, SUNY , 1400 Washington Avenue , Albany , New York 12222 , United States
| | - Marisia A Fikiet
- Department of Chemistry , University at Albany, SUNY , 1400 Washington Avenue , Albany , New York 12222 , United States
| | - Shelby R Khandasammy
- Department of Chemistry , University at Albany, SUNY , 1400 Washington Avenue , Albany , New York 12222 , United States
| | - Igor K Lednev
- Department of Chemistry , University at Albany, SUNY , 1400 Washington Avenue , Albany , New York 12222 , United States
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14
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A forensic investigation on the persistence of organic gunshot residues. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 292:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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15
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Doty KC, Lednev IK. Raman spectroscopy for forensic purposes: Recent applications for serology and gunshot residue analysis. Trends Analyt Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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16
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Fikiet MA, Khandasammy SR, Mistek E, Ahmed Y, Halámková L, Bueno J, Lednev IK. Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy: A review of recent applications in forensic science. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2018; 197:255-260. [PMID: 29496406 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2018.02.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy has many advantages over its parent technique of Raman spectroscopy. Some of these advantages such as increased sensitivity and selectivity and therefore the possibility of small sample sizes and detection of small concentrations are invaluable in the field of forensics. A variety of new SERS surfaces and novel approaches are presented here on a wide range of forensically relevant topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisia A Fikiet
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States
| | - Shelby R Khandasammy
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States
| | - Ewelina Mistek
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States
| | - Yasmine Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States
| | - Lenka Halámková
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States
| | - Justin Bueno
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States
| | - Igor K Lednev
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States.
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Khandasammy SR, Fikiet MA, Mistek E, Ahmed Y, Halámková L, Bueno J, Lednev IK. Bloodstains, paintings, and drugs: Raman spectroscopy applications in forensic science. Forensic Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Kuhar N, Sil S, Verma T, Umapathy S. Challenges in application of Raman spectroscopy to biology and materials. RSC Adv 2018; 8:25888-25908. [PMID: 35541973 PMCID: PMC9083091 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra04491k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Raman spectroscopy has become an essential tool for chemists, physicists, biologists and materials scientists. In this article, we present the challenges in unravelling the molecule-specific Raman spectral signatures of different biomolecules like proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates based on the review of our work and the current trends in these areas. We also show how Raman spectroscopy can be used to probe the secondary and tertiary structural changes occurring during thermal denaturation of protein and lysozyme as well as more complex biological systems like bacteria. Complex biological systems like tissues, cells, blood serum etc. are also made up of such biomolecules. Using mice liver and blood serum, it is shown that different tissues yield their unique signature Raman spectra, owing to a difference in the relative composition of the biomolecules. Additionally, recent progress in Raman spectroscopy for diagnosing a multitude of diseases ranging from cancer to infection is also presented. The second part of this article focuses on applications of Raman spectroscopy to materials. As a first example, Raman spectroscopy of a melt cast explosives formulation was carried out to monitor the changes in the peaks which indicates the potential of this technique for remote process monitoring. The second example presents various modern methods of Raman spectroscopy such as spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS), reflection, transmission and universal multiple angle Raman spectroscopy (UMARS) to study layered materials. Studies on chemicals/layered materials hidden in non-metallic containers using the above variants are presented. Using suitable examples, it is shown how a specific excitation or collection geometry can yield different information about the location of materials. Additionally, it is shown that UMARS imaging can also be used as an effective tool to obtain layer specific information of materials located at depths beyond a few centimeters. This paper reviews various facets of Raman spectroscopy. This encompasses biomolecule fingerprinting and conformational analysis, discrimination of healthy vs. diseased states, depth-specific information of materials and 3D Raman imaging.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki Kuhar
- Department of Inorganic & Physical Chemistry
- Indian Institute of Science
- Bangalore
- India-560012
| | - Sanchita Sil
- Defence Bioengineering & Electromedical Laboratory
- DRDO
- Bangalore
- India-560093
| | - Taru Verma
- Centre for Biosystems Science and Engineering
- Indian Institute of Science
- Bangalore
- India-560012
| | - Siva Umapathy
- Department of Inorganic & Physical Chemistry
- Indian Institute of Science
- Bangalore
- India-560012
- Department of Instrumentation & Applied Physics
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van Hoorn CH, Wessels C, Ariese F, Mank AJG. Fast High-Resolution Screening Method for Reactive Surfaces by Combining Atomic Force Microscopy and Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2017; 71:1551-1559. [PMID: 28664782 DOI: 10.1177/0003702816683528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
A fast high-resolution screening method for reactive surfaces is presented. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) are combined in one method in order to be able to obtain both morphological and chemical information about processes at a surface. In order to accurately align the AFM and SERS images, an alignment pattern on the substrate material is exploited. Subsequent SERS scans with sub-micron resolution are recorded in 30 min per scan for an area of 100 × 100 µm2 and are accompanied by morphological information, supplied by a fast AFM, of the same area. Hence, a complete reactivity overview is obtained within several hours with only a monolayer of reactant. To demonstrate the working principle of this method, a SERS substrate containing the alignment pattern and silver nanoparticle aggregates as catalytic sites is prepared to study the photo-catalytic reduction of p-nitrothiophenol ( p-NTP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Camiel H van Hoorn
- 1 Faculty of Sciences and LaserLaB, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carlos Wessels
- 1 Faculty of Sciences and LaserLaB, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Freek Ariese
- 1 Faculty of Sciences and LaserLaB, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan J G Mank
- 2 Philips Lighting, High-Tech Campus, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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Brożek-Mucha Z. Trends in analysis of gunshot residue for forensic purposes. Anal Bioanal Chem 2017; 409:5803-5811. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-017-0460-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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