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Chen H, Tian L, Sun X, Liu L, Ma R, Zhang M. Alkaline Phosphatase for Estimating the Time since Deposition of Blood Fingerprints by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy. Anal Chem 2023; 95:18470-18478. [PMID: 38051701 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Blood is one of the most frequent and valuable traces encountered at crime scenes, where knowing the time since deposition (TSD) of bloodstains tremendously assists forensic experts to screen out crime-related evidence and aids in the reconstruction of the event sequence. Although increasing proof-of-concept methodologies for investigating the TSD of bloodstains have been reported, there is still no accepted strategy in forensic practice as the aging mechanism involves complex components, leading to the inaccuracy of the estimation results. Herein, an endogenous biomarker of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was chosen to investigate the TSD by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Results demonstrate that the ALP activity acquired via SECM lateral scan assay exhibited a clear decrease over time, and a similar trend was observed on both poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane and glass, with the aging kinetics on PVDF membrane being faster than glass. By means of quantitatively calculating the flux of generated p-aminophenol (PAP), we established the aging curve and realized the TSD estimation of blood fingerprints (BFPs) that was unable to be distinguished via optical measurements. Intriguingly, the as-obtained estimation accuracy ranged from 74.6 to 93.7%, proving the possibility of using an ALP biomarker and SECM. More appealingly, the predicted TSDs were capable of accurately differentiating the deposition sequence of overlapping BFPs, which was hardly achieved by optical means. Therefore, this proof-of-concept strategy demonstrates the value of SECM as a forensic tool and opens possibilities for revealing multidimensional information about crime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Lu Tian
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiangyu Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Rongliang Ma
- Ministry of Public Security, Institute of Forensic Science, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Meiqin Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Beijing 100083, China
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2
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de Roo R, Mapes A, van Cooten M, van Hooff B, Kneppers S, Kokshoorn B, Valkenburg T, de Poot C. Introducing a Rapid DNA Analysis Procedure for Crime Scene Samples Outside of the Laboratory-A Field Experiment. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:4153. [PMID: 37112494 PMCID: PMC10145755 DOI: 10.3390/s23084153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Technological innovations enable rapid DNA analysis implementation possibilities. Concordantly, rapid DNA devices are being used in practice. However, the effects of implementing rapid DNA technologies in the crime scene investigation procedure have only been evaluated to a limited extent. In this study a field experiment was set up comparing 47 real crime scene cases following a rapid DNA analysis procedure outside of the laboratory (decentral), with 50 cases following the regular DNA analysis procedure at the forensic laboratory. The impact on duration of the investigative process, and on the quality of the analyzed trace results (97 blood and 38 saliva traces) was measured. The results of the study show that the duration of the investigation process has been significantly reduced in cases where the decentral rapid DNA procedure was deployed, compared to cases where the regular procedure was used. Most of the delay in the regular process lies in the procedural steps during the police investigation, not in the DNA analysis, which highlights the importance of an effective work process and having sufficient capacity available. This study also shows that rapid DNA techniques are less sensitive than regular DNA analysis equipment. The device used in this study was only to a limited extent suitable for the analysis of saliva traces secured at the crime scene and can mainly be used for the analysis of visible blood traces with an expected high DNA quantity of a single donor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanne de Roo
- Forensic Science Department, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Tafelbergweg 51, 1105 BD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Mapes
- Midden-Nederland Police Department, Forensic Investigative Division, 1276 KA Huizen, The Netherlands
| | - Merel van Cooten
- Midden-Nederland Police Department, Forensic Investigative Division, 1276 KA Huizen, The Netherlands
| | - Britt van Hooff
- Amsterdam Police Department, Forensic Investigative Division, 1014 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Kneppers
- Division Biological Traces, Netherlands Forensic Institute, 2497 GB The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Bas Kokshoorn
- Forensic Science Department, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Tafelbergweg 51, 1105 BD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Division Biological Traces, Netherlands Forensic Institute, 2497 GB The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Thalassa Valkenburg
- Amsterdam Police Department, Forensic Investigative Division, 1014 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christianne de Poot
- Forensic Science Department, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Tafelbergweg 51, 1105 BD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Police Academy, 7334 AC Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
- Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Faculty of Law, VU University, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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3
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Turiello R, Nouwairi RL, Landers JP. Taking the microfluidic approach to nucleic acid analysis in forensics: Review and perspectives. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 63:102824. [PMID: 36592574 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Forensic laboratories are universally acknowledged as being overburdened, underfunded, and in need of improved analytical methods to expedite investigations, decrease the costs associated with nucleic acid (NA) analysis, and perform human identification (HID) at the point of need (e.g., crime scene, booking station, etc.). In response, numerous research and development (R&D) efforts have resulted in microfluidic tools that automate portions of the forensic genetic workflow, including DNA extraction, amplification, and short tandem repeat (STR) typing. By the early 2000 s, reports from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) anticipated that microfluidic 'swab-in-profile-out' systems would be available for use at the crime scene by 2015 and the FBI's 2010 'Rapid DNA' Initiative, approved by Congress in 2017, directed this effort by guiding the development and implementation of maturing systems. At present, few fully-automated microfluidic DNA technologies are commercially available for forensic HID and their adoption by agencies interested in identification has been limited. In practice, the integration of complex laboratory processes to produce one autonomous unit, along with the highly variable nature of forensic input samples, resulted in systems that are more expensive per sample and not comparable to gold-standard identification methods in terms of sensitivity, reproducibility, and multiplex capability. This Review and Perspective provides insight into the contributing factors to this outcome; namely, we focus on the complications associated with the tremendous undertaking that is developing a sample-in-answer-out platform for HID. For context, we also describe the intricate forensic landscape that contributes to a nuanced marketplace, not easily distilled down to cases of simple supply and demand. Moving forward and considering the trade-offs associated with developing methods to compete, sometimes directly, with conventional ones, we recommend a focus shift for microfluidics developers toward the creation of innovative solutions for emerging applications in the field to increase the bandwidth of the forensic investigative toolkit. Likewise, we urge case working personnel to reframe how they conceptualize the currently available Rapid DNA tools; rather than comparing these microfluidic methods to gold-standard procedures, take advantage of their rapid and integrated modes for those situations requiring expedited identifications in an informed manner.
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4
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Chen H, Tian L, Sun X, Ma R, Zhang M. New Horizons for Estimating the Time Since Deposition of Fingermarks: Combining Label-Free Physical Visualization and Electrochemical Characterization. Anal Chem 2023; 95:889-897. [PMID: 36537841 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c03427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The time since deposition (TSD) of latent fingermarks (LFMs) serves as "witnesses" for crime scene reconstructions. Nevertheless, existing TSD prediction approaches focused on either physical or chemical aging parameters leading to inaccurate estimation. A novel label-free protocol has been developed, where both physical ridge patterns and lipid oxide (LipOx) degradation kinetics are realized using optical microscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) and combined for TSD prediction. Specifically, the surface interrogation (SI)-SECM titration was utilized to monitor the LipOx degradation in LFM arrays aligned by hole array masks, through which we derived the LipOx degradation function. After establishing the relationship between several titration parameters and titrated area by experimental and numerical simulation methods, the titrated area could be reasonably estimated and subsequently used to calculate the surface coverage of LipOx. Results demonstrated that the tip transient revealed the LipOx coverage of deposited LFMs. Notably, LipOx coverage was found to increase during the first day and then decrease over time, whose degradation rate was susceptible to light. Thus, TSD candidates of an LFM could be limited to two values through the established function. Due to the nonmonotonic trend of LipOx aging, a physical parameter "the gray value ratio (GVR) of furrows to ridges" was proposed to exclude irrelevant TSD through support vector machine (SVM) classification. Ultimately, we predicted TSDs of seven LFMs with estimation errors of 2.2-26.8%. Overall, our strategy, with the outperformed capability of gleaning physical and electrochemical information on LFMs, can provide a truly label-free way of studying LFMs and hold great promise for multidimensional fingerprint information analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Beijing100083, China
| | - Lu Tian
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Beijing100083, China
| | - Xiangyu Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Beijing100083, China
| | - Rongliang Ma
- Ministry of Public Security, Institute of Forensic Science, Beijing100038, China
| | - Meiqin Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Beijing100083, China
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5
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Li M, Yin F, Song L, Mao X, Li F, Fan C, Zuo X, Xia Q. Nucleic Acid Tests for Clinical Translation. Chem Rev 2021; 121:10469-10558. [PMID: 34254782 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acids, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), are natural biopolymers composed of nucleotides that store, transmit, and express genetic information. Overexpressed or underexpressed as well as mutated nucleic acids have been implicated in many diseases. Therefore, nucleic acid tests (NATs) are extremely important. Inspired by intracellular DNA replication and RNA transcription, in vitro NATs have been extensively developed to improve the detection specificity, sensitivity, and simplicity. The principles of NATs can be in general classified into three categories: nucleic acid hybridization, thermal-cycle or isothermal amplification, and signal amplification. Driven by pressing needs in clinical diagnosis and prevention of infectious diseases, NATs have evolved to be a rapidly advancing field. During the past ten years, an explosive increase of research interest in both basic research and clinical translation has been witnessed. In this review, we aim to provide comprehensive coverage of the progress to analyze nucleic acids, use nucleic acids as recognition probes, construct detection devices based on nucleic acids, and utilize nucleic acids in clinical diagnosis and other important fields. We also discuss the new frontiers in the field and the challenges to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Fangfei Yin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Lu Song
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.,Division of Physical Biology, CAS Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Xiuhai Mao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Fan Li
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Chunhai Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaolei Zuo
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Liver Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
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6
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Abstract
Reducing the risk of (cross-)contamination, improving the chain of custody, providing fast analysis times and options of direct analysis at crime scenes: these requirements within forensic DNA analysis can be met upon using microfluidic devices. To become generally applied in forensics, the most important requirements for microfluidic devices are: analysis time, method of DNA detection and biocompatibility of used materials. In this work an overview is provided about biosensing of DNA, by DNA profiling via standard short tandem repeat (STR) analysis or by next generation sequencing. The material of which a forensic microfluidic device is made is crucial: it should for example not inhibit DNA amplification and its thermal conductivity and optical transparency should be suitable for achieving fast analysis. The characteristics of three materials frequently used materials, i.e., glass, silicon and PDMS, are given, in addition to a promising alternative, viz. cyclic olefin copolymer (COC). New experimental findings are presented about the biocompatibility of COC and the use of COC chips for multiple displacement amplification and real-time monitoring of DNA amplification.
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7
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Bracker R, Stender AS. Efficacy of USB microscopes for imaging forensic materials. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 304:109961. [PMID: 31590102 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.109961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
USB microscopy, a relatively new and developing technology, offers a highly portable and relatively inexpensive means for performing microscopy. However, it has not been established that USB microscopes are capable of imaging at a level deemed sufficient for forensic requirements. The purpose of this study was to determine the value, applicability, and limitations of current USB microscope technology by comparing USB microscopes with traditional microscopes by collecting images of common forensic trace materials. For our tests, we considered image clarity, resolution, magnification, field of view, working distance, ease of use, and reflected versus transmission mode imaging. The USB microscopes were highly portable, easy to work with, and able to take an image in any orientation. They also demonstrated a strong sensitivity to different hues of color and were easily tailored to different forms of microscopy by utilizing additional optical components. USB microscopes do not share the same level of resolution, image quality, or image contrast as the most sophisticated microscopes. However, USB microscopes could add value to forensic investigations when used for preliminary exams, low magnification imaging of samples, and imaging scenarios that require magnification but don't conform to traditional microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Bracker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, United States
| | - Anthony S Stender
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, United States; Nanoscale and Quantum Phenomena Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, United States.
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8
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Macoveciuc I, Rando CJ, Borrion H. Forensic Gait Analysis and Recognition: Standards of Evidence Admissibility. J Forensic Sci 2019; 64:1294-1303. [PMID: 30791120 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Gait is one biological characteristic which has attracted strong research interest due to its potential use in human identification. Although almost two decades have passed since a forensic gait expert has testified to the identity of a perpetrator in court, the methods remain insufficiently robust, considering the recent paradigm shift witnessed in the forensic science community regarding quality of evidence. In contrast, technological advancements have taken the lead, and research into automated gait recognition has greatly surpassed forensic gait analysis in terms of the size of acquired datasets and demographic variability of participants, tested variables, and statistical evaluation of results. Despite these advantages, gait recognition presents with different problems which are yet to be resolved. Therefore, courts should treat gait evidence with caution, as they should any other form of evidence originating from disciplines without fully established codes of practice, error rates, and demonstrable applications in forensic scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Macoveciuc
- Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, U.K.,Institute of Archaeology, University College London, 31-34 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0PY, U.K
| | - Carolyn J Rando
- Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, U.K
| | - Hervé Borrion
- Institute of Archaeology, University College London, 31-34 Gordon Square, London, WC1H 0PY, U.K
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9
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Speaker PJ. Process Improvement and the Efficient Frontier: Forecasting the Limits to Strategic Change across Crime Laboratory Areas of Investigation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/19409044.2017.1387204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul J. Speaker
- Finance Department, WVU College of Business and Economics, College of B&E, Morgantown, WV
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10
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Figueroa B, Chen Y, Berry K, Francis A, Fu D. Label-Free Chemical Imaging of Latent Fingerprints with Stimulated Raman Scattering Microscopy. Anal Chem 2017; 89:4468-4473. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b04213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Figueroa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Yikai Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Kyla Berry
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Andrew Francis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Dan Fu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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11
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Rosa R, Giovanardi R, Bozza A, Veronesi P, Leonelli C. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy: A deeper and quantitative insight into the fingermarks physical modifications over time. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 273:144-152. [PMID: 28273546 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The present work is focused on a novel approach for the study and quantification of some of the physical changes to which a fingermark deposited on non-porous substrates is subjected as its ageing proceeds. Particularly, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique has been applied for the first time in order to monitor the electrochemical behaviour of the system constituted by the fingermark residue and the underlying substrate. The impedance spectra proved to be significantly affected by the presence of the mark residue as well as by its ageing process. Opportune fitting operations performed on the experimental data allowed obtaining quantitative electrochemical parameters used to reach useful information on the fingermarks ageing mechanism as well as to calculate the fingermark ageing curves from which fundamental information could be potentially extrapolated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Rosa
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Vivarelli 10, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Roberto Giovanardi
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Vivarelli 10, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Bozza
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Vivarelli 10, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Paolo Veronesi
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Vivarelli 10, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Cristina Leonelli
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Vivarelli 10, 41125 Modena, Italy
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12
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Microfluidic Devices for Forensic DNA Analysis: A Review. BIOSENSORS-BASEL 2016; 6:bios6030041. [PMID: 27527231 PMCID: PMC5039660 DOI: 10.3390/bios6030041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices may offer various advantages for forensic DNA analysis, such as reduced risk of contamination, shorter analysis time and direct application at the crime scene. Microfluidic chip technology has already proven to be functional and effective within medical applications, such as for point-of-care use. In the forensic field, one may expect microfluidic technology to become particularly relevant for the analysis of biological traces containing human DNA. This would require a number of consecutive steps, including sample work up, DNA amplification and detection, as well as secure storage of the sample. This article provides an extensive overview of microfluidic devices for cell lysis, DNA extraction and purification, DNA amplification and detection and analysis techniques for DNA. Topics to be discussed are polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on-chip, digital PCR (dPCR), isothermal amplification on-chip, chip materials, integrated devices and commercially available techniques. A critical overview of the opportunities and challenges of the use of chips is discussed, and developments made in forensic DNA analysis over the past 10–20 years with microfluidic systems are described. Areas in which further research is needed are indicated in a future outlook.
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14
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Castillo-Peinado LS, Luque de Castro MD. Present and foreseeable future of metabolomics in forensic analysis. Anal Chim Acta 2016; 925:1-15. [PMID: 27188312 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2016.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The revulsive publications during the last years on the precariousness of forensic sciences worldwide have promoted the move of major steps towards improvement of this science. One of the steps (viz. a higher involvement of metabolomics in the new era of forensic analysis) deserves to be discussed under different angles. Thus, the characteristics of metabolomics that make it a useful tool in forensic analysis, the aspects in which this omics is so far implicit, but not mentioned in forensic analyses, and how typical forensic parameters such as the post-mortem interval or fingerprints take benefits from metabolomics are critically discussed in this review. The way in which the metabolomics-forensic binomial succeeds when either conventional or less frequent samples are used is highlighted here. Finally, the pillars that should support future developments involving metabolomics and forensic analysis, and the research required for a fruitful in-depth involvement of metabolomics in forensic analysis are critically discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L S Castillo-Peinado
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Annex Marie Curie Building, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; University of Córdoba, Agrifood Excellence Campus, ceiA3, Spain; Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), Reina Sofía University Hospital, University of Córdoba, E-14071, Córdoba, Spain
| | - M D Luque de Castro
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Annex Marie Curie Building, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain; University of Córdoba, Agrifood Excellence Campus, ceiA3, Spain; Maimónides Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIBIC), Reina Sofía University Hospital, University of Córdoba, E-14071, Córdoba, Spain.
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15
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Kloosterman A, Mapes A, Geradts Z, van Eijk E, Koper C, van den Berg J, Verheij S, van der Steen M, van Asten A. The interface between forensic science and technology: how technology could cause a paradigm shift in the role of forensic institutes in the criminal justice system. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 370:rstb.2014.0264. [PMID: 26101289 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2014.0264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, the importance of modern technology in forensic investigations is discussed. Recent technological developments are creating new possibilities to perform robust scientific measurements and studies outside the controlled laboratory environment. The benefits of real-time, on-site forensic investigations are manifold and such technology has the potential to strongly increase the speed and efficacy of the criminal justice system. However, such benefits are only realized when quality can be guaranteed at all times and findings can be used as forensic evidence in court. At the Netherlands Forensic Institute, innovation efforts are currently undertaken to develop integrated forensic platform solutions that allow for the forensic investigation of human biological traces, the chemical identification of illicit drugs and the study of large amounts of digital evidence. These platforms enable field investigations, yield robust and validated evidence and allow for forensic intelligence and targeted use of expert capacity at the forensic institutes. This technological revolution in forensic science could ultimately lead to a paradigm shift in which a new role of the forensic expert emerges as developer and custodian of integrated forensic platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ate Kloosterman
- WISK department, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Ministry of Security and Justice, The Hague, The Netherlands Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Mapes
- Forensic Science Department, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Leeuwenburg, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zeno Geradts
- Department of Digital Technology and Biometrics, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Ministry of Security and Justice, The Hague, The Netherlands Informatics Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin van Eijk
- Department of Digital Technology and Biometrics, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Ministry of Security and Justice, The Hague, The Netherlands Informatics Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carola Koper
- WISK department, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Ministry of Security and Justice, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Jorrit van den Berg
- Department of Forensic Chemical Investigations, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Ministry of Security and Justice, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Verheij
- Department of Human Biological Traces, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Ministry of Security and Justice, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel van der Steen
- Account Management, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Ministry of Security and Justice, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Arian van Asten
- WISK department, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Ministry of Security and Justice, The Hague, The Netherlands van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands CLHC, Amsterdam Center for Forensic Science and Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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16
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Muramoto S, Sisco E. Strategies for Potential Age Dating of Fingerprints through the Diffusion of Sebum Molecules on a Nonporous Surface Analyzed Using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2015; 87:8035-8. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b02018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shin Muramoto
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Edward Sisco
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
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Muramoto S, Forbes TP, van Asten AC, Gillen G. Test Sample for the Spatially Resolved Quantification of Illicit Drugs on Fingerprints Using Imaging Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2015; 87:5444-50. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b01060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shin Muramoto
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), US Department of Commerce, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-1070, United States
| | - Thomas P. Forbes
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), US Department of Commerce, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-1070, United States
| | - Arian C. van Asten
- Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI), Ministry of Security
and Justice, The Hague 1098 XH, The Netherlands
- van‘t
Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam
Center for Forensic Science and Medicine (CLHC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, The Netherlands
| | - Greg Gillen
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), US Department of Commerce, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-1070, United States
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van Dam A, Schwarz JCV, de Vos J, Siebes M, Sijen T, van Leeuwen TG, Aalders MCG, Lambrechts SAG. Oxidationsbeobachtung mit Fluoreszenzspektroskopie offenbart das Alter von Fingerabdrücken. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201402740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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19
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van Dam A, Schwarz JCV, de Vos J, Siebes M, Sijen T, van Leeuwen TG, Aalders MCG, Lambrechts SAG. Oxidation monitoring by fluorescence spectroscopy reveals the age of fingermarks. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014; 53:6272-5. [PMID: 24847728 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201402740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
No forensic method exists that can reliably estimate the age of fingermarks found at a crime scene. Information on time passed since fingermark deposition is desired as it can be used to distinguish between crime related and unrelated fingermarks and to support or refute statements made by the fingermark donors. We introduce a non-contact method that can estimate the age of fingermarks. Fingermarks were approached as protein-lipid mixtures and an age-estimation model was build based on the expected protein and lipid oxidation reactions. Two measures of oxidation are required from the fingermark to estimate its age: 1) the relative amount of fluorescent oxidation products 2) the rate at which these products are formed. Fluorescence spectroscopy was used to obtain these measures. We tested the method on 44 fingermarks and were able to estimate the age of 55% of the male fingermarks, up to three weeks old with an uncertainty of 1.9 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemieke van Dam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam (The Netherlands)
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