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Jarvis CM, Kress D, Hanka J, Moorehead W, Hietpas J. Assessing the strengths and limitations of quantitative micromorphometry for the forensic examination of small arms propellant towards brand identification. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 353:111880. [PMID: 37984036 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111880] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Smalls arms propellants (SAP) also known as canister powders are readily accessible and cost-effective materials that firearms enthusiasts can acquire for the legitimate assembly of ammunition. These attributes also make SAPs advantageous for the construction of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Thus, there is a need to develop robust metrics for the characterization of propellants to provide investigative leads as well as for comparisons between known and recovered residues. The goal of this research was to investigate the utility of a high-throughput, non-destructive, and low-cost quantitative automated image analysis routine for the characterization and discrimination of SAP. For this project, 204 one-pound canisters of smokeless propellant (powder) were acquired from local and online sources. These samples represent nine manufacturers and 154 unique brands. From this set, five brands were selected to assess the intra- and inter-lot variability. Eight parameters, which encompass size- and shape-dependent metrics were measured for each sample. A total of ∼85,000 granules (∼680,000 measurements) were analyzed using linear discriminant analysis. A detailed assessment of the variables shows that the size-dependent metrics provide the greatest amount of sample discrimination. Overall accuracy of the method to correctly classify a test subset of data to the brand level is ∼84.72%. The results from this study provide a framework in which to interpret smokeless propellant micromorphometry in the context of intelligence purposes for initial stages of criminal investigations, and for traditional comparisons between known and unknown samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey M Jarvis
- MVA Scientific Consultants, 3300 Breckinridge Blvd., Suite 400, Duluth, GA 30096, USA
| | - Devin Kress
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, 2300 Stratford Ave., Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
| | - Janean Hanka
- Mathematics & Statistics, South Dakota State University, Chicoine Architecture, Mathematics and Engineering Hall, Box 2225, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
| | - Wayne Moorehead
- ForensicTRACE, 7 Boxthorn, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 USA
| | - Jack Hietpas
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 524 West 59th Street - Room 5.66.22, New York, NY 10019, USA; Microtrace, LLC, 790 Fletcher Drive, Suite 106, Elgin, IL 60123, USA.
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2
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Ledergerber TD, Feeney W, Arroyo L, Trejos T. A feasibility study of direct analysis in real time-mass spectrometry for screening organic gunshot residues from various substrates. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:4744-4757. [PMID: 37694390 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01258a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
This study reports the use of direct analysis in real time-mass spectrometry (DART-MS) for the detection of organic gunshot residues (OGSR) in a variety of matrices of interest for forensics, customs, and homeland security. Detection limits ranged from (0.075 to 12) ng, with intra- and inter-day reproducibility below 0.0012% CV. The collection of mass spectra at multiple in-source collision-induced dissociation (is-CID) voltages produced distinctive mass spectral signatures with varying levels of fragmentation and allowed differentiation of isomers. To test method performance, a collection of 330 authentic specimens from various substrates were analyzed - (1) neat smokeless powders, (2) spent cartridge cases, (3) burnt particles removed from clothing via carbon stubs or (4) with tweezers, and hand samples from (5) non-shooters, and (6) shooters. A subset of hand specimens (n = 80) was further analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for confirmation and comparison. Seven types of ammunition from five manufacturers and two calibers were monitored for OGSR profiles with similar compositions observed for paired sets (e.g., unburnt smokeless powder and the respective residues on spent cartridges, clothing, and hands). No false positives were observed across all datasets. A 100% true positive rate (TPR) was observed for all substrates except the shooters' hands. Depending on the ammunition type and classification criteria, the shooters' hands exhibited a TPR ranging from 19% to 73%. The results show that DART-MS is feasible and versatile for fast screening of OGSR across various substrates but may benefit from alternative approaches to improve detection at trace levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William Feeney
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Dr, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Luis Arroyo
- Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
- Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Tatiana Trejos
- Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
- Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, 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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4
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Vander Pyl C, Feeney W, Arroyo L, Trejos T. Capabilities and Limitations of GC-MS and LC-MS/MS for Trace Detection of Organic Gunshot Residues from Skin Specimens. Forensic Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2023.100471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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5
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Pagano F, Vincenti F, Montesano C, Fanti F, Gregori A, Curini R, Sergi M. Oral fluid as a new investigative matrix for the determination of organic gunshot residue exposure. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2022; 1210:123477. [PMID: 36174265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2022.123477] [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: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, increased use of ammunition without lead and heavy metals was observed, leading to a growing interest in the detection of organic gunshot residues (OGSR) as evidence of firearms related crimes. The wide range of compounds belonging to the OGSR class hinders their mass spectrometric detection as different ionization techniques may be needed to obtain good results for all compounds. The purpose of this work was the development of a reliable analytical method by means of UHPLC-HRMS for the determination in oral fluid (OF) of the most common explosives and the most used stabilizers, arising from fire discharge and post-deflagration residues. For this purpose, SPE was used for OF clean-up before UHPLC-HRMS analysis. All target analytes were chromatographically separated by means of a Polar-C18 column. A chlorinated compound was added to the mobile phases in order to promote the formation of chloride adduct ions in the electrospray ion source operating in polarity switching to allow the best conditions for each analyte. The detection was conducted by means of a high-resolution mass spectrometer equipped with Orbitrap technology working in data dependent acquisition mode, in order to detect both the precursor ions and/or the most intense fragments for stabilizers. To verify its potential, the method was tested on real samples: a shooting session was performed in an open shooting range; the shooters fired from 2 to 20 rounds with a 9x21 caliber, thereafter OF was sampled. Samples were analyzed confirming that explosives may be detected in OF; the use of this matrix may be of great interest for investigative purposes as it is less affected by secondary transfer when compared to other commonly sampled matrices. The developed method could be a useful tool for law enforcement authorities for the detection of explosives in forensic potential scenarios, including biological matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Pagano
- Public Health and Infectious Disease Department, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy; Chemistry Department, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Flaminia Vincenti
- Public Health and Infectious Disease Department, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy; Chemistry Department, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Federico Fanti
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, Teramo, Italy
| | - Adolfo Gregori
- Carabinieri, Department of Scientific Investigation (RIS), Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Curini
- Chemistry Department, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Sergi
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, Teramo, Italy
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6
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Reavis M, Goodpaster J. Quantitative analysis of smokeless powder particles in post‐blast debris via gas chromatography/vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy (
GC
/
VUV
). J Forensic Sci 2022; 67:1431-1440. [PMID: 35368092 PMCID: PMC9322668 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Forensic analysis of smokeless powder particles recovered from the debris of an improvised explosive device can provide information about the type of smokeless powder used and can aid investigation efforts. In this study, quantitative methods were used to yield information about the difference in the chemical composition of the particles pre‐ and post‐blast. The technique, gas chromatography/vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy (GC/VUV), was able to quantify nitroglycerin, 2,4‐dinitrotoluene, diphenylamine, ethyl centralite, and di‐n‐butyl phthalate in pre‐ and post‐blast smokeless powder particles using heptadecane as an internal standard. Post‐blast debris was obtained via controlled explosions with assistance from the Indiana State Police Bomb Squad. Two galvanized steel and two polyvinyl chloride pipe bombs were assembled. Two devices contained single‐base smokeless powder and two contained double‐base smokeless powder. 2,4‐dinitrotoluene and diphenylamine were successfully quantified in the single‐base smokeless powder post‐blast debris while nitroglycerin, diphenylamine, and ethyl centralite were successfully quantified in the double‐base smokeless powder post‐blast debris. Compounds were detected at concentrations as low as 9 μg of 2,4‐dinitrotoluene per mg, <3 μg of diphenylamine per mg, 131 μg of nitroglycerin per mg, and <3 μg of ethyl centralite per mg. Concentration changes between pre‐ and post‐blast smokeless powder particles were determined as well as microscopic differences between pre‐ and post‐blast debris for both smokeless powders in all devices. To our knowledge, this is the first use of GC/VUV for the quantification of explosives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Reavis
- Forensic and Investigative Sciences Department Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis Indianapolis Indiana USA
| | - John Goodpaster
- Forensic and Investigative Sciences Department Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis Indianapolis Indiana USA
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7
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van den Hurk RS, Abdulhussain N, van Beurden AS, Dekker ME, Hulsbergen A, Peters RA, Pirok BW, van Asten AC. Characterization and comparison of smokeless powders by on-line two-dimensional liquid chromatography. J Chromatogr A 2022; 1672:463072. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2022.463072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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8
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Efficacy study of non-lanthanide small luminescent molecules as gunshot residue indicators. Forensic Sci Int 2022; 331:111169. [PMID: 34992010 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111169] [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: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The efficiency of using small, non-lanthanide and readily available molecules was tested as luminescent markers for gunshot residue (GSR) analysis. Three luminophores, namely pyrene (Py), fluorescein (Fl) and a Pt-CNN complex (Pt-C) were used in the present study by using their 5 wt% additives to gunpowder filled in a cartridge followed by firing with a 9 mm pistol. The easy visualization of GSR location, collection of GSR samples followed by their identification through various characterization techniques and the possibility of strategically using these markers as a cost-effective alternative compared to any lanthanide material were evaluated through this work. The comparison of physical mixture of marker and gunpowder and surface soaked gunpowder with the same marker (Py) was also evaluated. Spectroscopic (Optical, Luminescence and Raman), Microscopic, Spectrometric (Mass) and thermal analysis (Differential Scanning Calorimetry, DSC) of the marker, gunpowder and GSR residues implies that both the dyes and gunpowder retains their individual properties and those are merely a physical mixture. Overall, the present study clearly demonstrates that these small organic/metal complex based luminophores are cost effective luminescent marker as compared to lanthanide materials for GSR detection / collection and can be strategically use to track the illegal / unauthorized use of gunpowder.
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9
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Şener H, Anilanmert B, Mavis ME, Gursu GG, Cengiz S. LC-MS/MS monitoring for explosives residues and OGSR with diverse ionization temperatures in soil & hands: 30 minutes for extraction + elution. ACTA CHROMATOGR 2021. [DOI: 10.1556/1326.2021.00930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AbstractA fast LC-APCI-MS/MS screening/confirmation method was developed and validated for trace analyses of 18 analytes which are explosives and organic gun shot residues including the challenging ones with diverse ionization conditions, in soil and on hands. (+) and (−) ionization modes were used after a single-step, low-volume solvent extraction procedure developed using methanol. Tape-lifting, stub, alcohol wipes, cotton bud were compared for collecting the residues from hands of a shooter. Tape-lifting and stub gave the highest recoveries and tape-lifting was chosen. Gradient elution system using ammonium chloride:methanol was developed. Whole procedure lasted approximately 30 min, was validated in both matrices, applied to real samples as post-blast residues, smokeless powder and the hands of a shooter, after shooting. Most of the recoveries were >80% and since all the precisions were <15%, quantitation was possible for all. Limit of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantification (LOQ) values were: 0.2–54.1 and 0.3–190.0 ngg−1 in soil, and 0.2–132.3 and 1.1–355.0 ngg−1 in tape-lift.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harun Şener
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Kutahya Health Sciences University, Kutahya, Turkey
| | - Beril Anilanmert
- Institute of Forensic Sciences & Legal Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Emrah Mavis
- R & D Center of SEM Laboratuar Cihazları Pazarlama San. ve Tic. Inc., Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gokce Goksu Gursu
- R & D Center of SEM Laboratuar Cihazları Pazarlama San. ve Tic. Inc., Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Salih Cengiz
- Rumeli University, Vocational School of Health Services, Mehmet Balci Campus, Istanbul, Turkey
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10
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Gassner AL, Weyermann C. Prevalence of organic gunshot residues in police vehicles. Sci Justice 2020; 60:136-144. [PMID: 32111286 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2019.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated the organic gunshot residue (OGSR) background level of police vehicles in Switzerland. Specimens from 64 vehicles belonging to two regional police services were collected and analysed by LC-MS in positive mode. The driver's and back seats were sampled separately to monitor potential differences between locations and to assess the risks of a suspect being contaminated by OGSR during transportation to a police station. The results showed that most of the 64 vehicles were uncontaminated (44 driver's seats and 38 back seats respectively). Up to six of the seven targeted compounds were detected in a single sample, once on a driver's seat and twice on back seats. The contamination frequency generally decreased as the number of compounds detected together increased. The amounts detected were in the low ng range and less than amounts generally detected just after discharge on a shooter. Our data indicated that detecting a combination of four or more compounds on a police vehicle seat appears to be a relatively rare occurrence. The background contamination observed was most probably due to secondary transfer from police officers (e.g. through recent participation in a shooting session or firearm manipulation) or from firearms stored in the vehicles. The present results might be used as a recommendation to minimize contact of a suspect with contaminated surfaces if OGSR is implemented in routine work in parallel to IGSR analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Laure Gassner
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, University of Lausanne, Batochime, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Céline Weyermann
- Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, University of Lausanne, Batochime, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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11
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Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-MS/MS (UHPLC-MS/MS) in practice: analysis of drugs and pharmaceutical formulations. FUTURE JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1186/s43094-019-0007-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
UHPLC-MS/MS is connected in various research facilities for the qualitative and quantitative investigation of a pharmaceutical substance, pharmaceutical items, and biological specimen.
Main body
The commence review article is an endeavor to offer pervasive awareness around assorted aspects and details about the UHPLC-MS/MS and related techniques with the aim on practice to an estimation of medicinal active agents in the last 10 years. The article also focused on isolation, separation, and characterization of present impurity in drug and biological samples.
Conclusion
Review article compiles a general overview of medicinally important drugs and their analysis with UHPLC-MS/MS. It gives fundamental thought regarding applications of UHPLC-MS/MS for the study on safety limit. The summary of developed UHPLC-MS/MS methods gives a contribution to the future trend and limitations in this area of research.
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12
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Taudte RV, Roux C, Bishop DP, Fouracre C, Beavis A. High-throughput screening for target compounds in smokeless powders using online-SPE tandem mass spectrometry. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2019.1629019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Claude Roux
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - David P. Bishop
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Alison Beavis
- Faculty of Transdiscplinary Innovation, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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13
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Goudsmits E, Blakey LS, Chana K, Sharples GP, Birkett JW. The analysis of organic and inorganic gunshot residue from a single sample. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 299:168-173. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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14
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Manganelli M, Weyermann C, Gassner AL. Surveys of organic gunshot residue prevalence: Comparison between civilian and police populations. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 298:48-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.02.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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15
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González-Méndez R, Mayhew CA. Applications of Direct Injection Soft Chemical Ionisation-Mass Spectrometry for the Detection of Pre-blast Smokeless Powder Organic Additives. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2019; 30:615-624. [PMID: 30761477 DOI: 10.1007/s13361-018-02130-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of smokeless powders is of interest from forensics and security perspectives. This article reports the detection of smokeless powder organic additives (in their pre-detonation condition), namely the stabiliser diphenylamine and its derivatives 2-nitrodiphenylamine and 4-nitrodiphenylamine, and the additives (used both as stabilisers and plasticisers) methyl centralite and ethyl centralite, by means of swab sampling followed by thermal desorption and direct injection soft chemical ionisation-mass spectrometry. Investigations on the product ions resulting from the reactions of the reagent ions H3O+ and O2+ with additives as a function of reduced electric field are reported. The method was comprehensively evaluated in terms of linearity, sensitivity and precision. For H3O+, the limits of detection (LoD) are in the range of 41-88 pg of additive, for which the accuracy varied between 1.5 and 3.2%, precision varied between 3.7 and 7.3% and linearity showed R2 ≥ 0.9991. For O2+, LoD are in the range of 72 to 1.4 ng, with an accuracy of between 2.8 and 4.9% and a precision between 4.5 and 8.6% and R2 ≥ 0.9914. The validated methodology was applied to the analysis of commercial pre-blast gun powders from different manufacturers. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramón González-Méndez
- Molecular Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
- Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK.
| | - Chris A Mayhew
- Molecular Physics Group, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Institut für Atemgasanalytik, Leopold-Franzens-Universität Innsbruck, Rathausplatz 4, A-6850, Dornbirn, Austria
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16
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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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17
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Secondary transfer of organic gunshot residues: Empirical data to assist the evaluation of three scenarios. Sci Justice 2019; 59:58-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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18
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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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19
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Ostrinskaya A, Kunz RR, Clark M, Kingsborough RP, Ong T, Deneault S. Rapid Quantitative Analysis of Multiple Explosive Compound Classes on a Single Instrument via Flow‐Injection Analysis Tandem Mass Spectrometry. J Forensic Sci 2018; 64:223-230. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alla Ostrinskaya
- Chemical, Microsystem, and Nanoscale Technology Group MIT‐Lincoln Laboratory 244 Wood Street Lexington MA 02421
| | - Roderick R. Kunz
- Chemical, Microsystem, and Nanoscale Technology Group MIT‐Lincoln Laboratory 244 Wood Street Lexington MA 02421
| | - Michelle Clark
- Chemical, Microsystem, and Nanoscale Technology Group MIT‐Lincoln Laboratory 244 Wood Street Lexington MA 02421
| | - Richard P. Kingsborough
- Chemical, Microsystem, and Nanoscale Technology Group MIT‐Lincoln Laboratory 244 Wood Street Lexington MA 02421
| | - Ta‐Hsuan Ong
- Chemical, Microsystem, and Nanoscale Technology Group MIT‐Lincoln Laboratory 244 Wood Street Lexington MA 02421
| | - Sandra Deneault
- Chemical, Microsystem, and Nanoscale Technology Group MIT‐Lincoln Laboratory 244 Wood Street Lexington MA 02421
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20
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He F, Tian Y, Xu Z, Luo L, Yang J, Wang H, Sun Y, Du Q, Shen Y. Development of an immunochromatographic assay as a screen for detection of total phthalate acid esters in cooking oil. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2017; 81:80-88. [PMID: 29279017 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2017.1414023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Phthalate acid esters (PAEs) contamination raised concerns as a result of migration from food packaging and environmental exposure. Because of the adverse effects of PAE reported in humans, the aim of this study was to examine the ability to screen for the detection these chemicals as an indicator of potential exposure. Too develop a sensitive screening test to determine PAE, a specific polyclonal antibody against phthalic acid (PA), the hydrolysate of PAEs, was used as a marker of total PAEs. This method involved the use of 4-aminophthalic acid (APA) as an immunizing hapten to generate antibody. Subsequently, this antibody conjugated with labeled gold nanoparticles (GNPs) was then used to develop an immunochromatographic assay (ICA) for visually detecting PA. After establishing optimal assay conditions, the ICA strip detected visually PA at 3 μg/ml rapidly in less than 5 min. Further, this assay exhibited reliable specificity for PA with no apparent cross-reactivity with structurally related PAEs. A significant correlation between data obtained with the ICA strip and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was achieved using cooking oils as model spiked samples. The proposed use of ICA offers an effective tool for rapid on-site screening for total PAEs in cooking oils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan He
- a Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety , College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Yuanxin Tian
- b Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenlin Xu
- a Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety , College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Lin Luo
- a Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety , College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Jinyi Yang
- a Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety , College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Hong Wang
- a Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety , College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Yuanming Sun
- a Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety , College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Qingfeng Du
- c Nanhai Hospital, Southern Medical University , Foshan , China
| | - Yudong Shen
- a Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety , College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou , China
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21
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Hofstetter C, Maitre M, Beavis A, Roux CP, Weyermann C, Gassner AL. A study of transfer and prevalence of organic gunshot residues. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 277:241-251. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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22
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Reese KL, Jones AD, Smith RW. Characterization of smokeless powders using multiplexed collision-induced dissociation mass spectrometry and chemometric procedures. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 272:16-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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23
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Castillo-Peinado LS, Luque de Castro MD. An overview on forensic analysis devoted to analytical chemists. Talanta 2017; 167:181-192. [PMID: 28340709 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2017.01.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The present article has as main aim to show analytical chemists interested in forensic analysis the world they will face if decision in favor of being a forensic analytical chemist is adopted. With this purpose, the most outstanding aspects of forensic analysis in dealing with sampling (involving both bodily and no bodily samples), sample preparation, and analytical equipment used in detection, identification and quantitation of key sample components are critically discussed. The role of the great omics in forensic analysis, and the growing role of the youngest of the great omics -metabolomics- are also discussed. The foreseeable role of integrative omics is also outlined.
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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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24
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Maitre M, Kirkbride K, Horder M, Roux C, Beavis A. Current perspectives in the interpretation of gunshot residues in forensic science: A review. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 270:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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25
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JW B. Organic compositional analysis of propellant powders using monolithic material sorption extraction (MSSE)-a feasibility study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.29328/journal.jfsr.1001008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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26
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Goudsmits E, Sharples GP, Birkett JW. Preliminary classification of characteristic organic gunshot residue compounds. Sci Justice 2016; 56:421-425. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2016.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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27
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LC–MS method development and comparison of sampling materials for the analysis of organic gunshot residues. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 264:47-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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28
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The development and comparison of collection techniques for inorganic and organic gunshot residues. Anal Bioanal Chem 2016; 408:2567-76. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-9357-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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29
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Goudsmits E, Sharples GP, Birkett JW. Recent trends in organic gunshot residue analysis. Trends Analyt Chem 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2015.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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30
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Alinat E, Delaunay N, Archer X, Vial J, Gareil P. Multivariate optimization of the denitration reaction of nitrocelluloses for safer determination of their nitrogen content. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 250:68-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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31
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Biotin-Streptavidin Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Determination of Dibutyl Phthalate in Beverages and Drinking Water Using a Specific Polyclonal Antibody. FOOD ANAL METHOD 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s12161-014-0085-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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32
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Benito S, Abrego Z, Sánchez A, Unceta N, Goicolea MA, Barrio RJ. Characterization of organic gunshot residues in lead-free ammunition using a new sample collection device for liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 246:79-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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33
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Chen L, Gao Y, Wang Y, He C, Zhu D, He Q, Cao H, Cheng J. Femtogram level detection of nitrate ester explosives via an 8-pyrenyl-substituted fluorene dimer bridged by a 1,6-hexanyl unit. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2014; 6:8817-8823. [PMID: 24755051 DOI: 10.1021/am501543f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Compared with nitroaromatic explosives detection, nitrate esters are far from wide attention possibly because of their shortage of aromatic ring and difficulty in being detected. Three fluorescent chemical probes for trace nitrate ester detection: an intramolecular dimer (P3) of 8-pyrenyl-substituted fluorenes bridged by a 1,6-hexanyl unit as well as its counterparts 2PR-F (P1) and 2PR-Cz (P2) has been synthesized and characterized. Their chemical structures and photophysical and electrochemical properties show that the dimer P3 film has a higher molar extinction coefficient, larger steric hindrance, higher area-to-volume ratio, and matching energy level with nitrate ester explosives, which contributes to higher sensitivity and moderate selectivity for sensing of nitrate ester explosives such as nitroglycerin (NG). The fluorescence of the P3 film is rapidly about 90% quenched upon exposure to a saturated vapor of NG for 50 s and almost 100% quenched for 300 s at room temperature due to photoinduced electron transfer between the probe and analyte. In addition, a very sensitive, rapid, simple, and low-cost surface-sensing method by disposable filter-paper-based test strips is demonstrated. The contact-mode approach exhibits a detection limit as low as 0.5 fg/cm(2) for NG. These results reveal that the multiple-pyrenyl-unit-substituted fluorene dimer P3 is suitable for preparing a highly sensitive and efficient thin-film device for detecting nitrate esters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- State Key Lab of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 865 Changning Road, Shanghai 200050, China
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Moran JW, Bell S. Skin permeation of organic gunshot residue: implications for sampling and analysis. Anal Chem 2014; 86:6071-9. [PMID: 24837230 DOI: 10.1021/ac501227e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Traditional gunshot residue (GSR) analysis is based on detection of particulates formed from metals found in the primer. Recent concerns regarding the interpretation of GSR evidence has led to interest in alternatives such as the organic constituents (organic gunshot residue, OGSR) found in propellants. Previous work has shown OGSR to be detectable on hands for several hours after a firing event, and given the lipophilic nature of these compounds, it was expected that losses due to secondary transfer (an issue with GSR particulates) would be negligible. However, other loss mechanisms have been identified, specifically skin permeation and evaporation. This paper describes experimental and modeling studies used to elucidate characteristics of skin permeation of 5 compounds present in OGSR. Pharmaceutical methods were adapted to characterize skin permeation using a skin surrogate and Franz diffusion cells. The amount of compounds deposited on skin after an authentic firing event (1 and 2 shots) was experimentally determined and applied for the permeation experiments. A fully validated selected ion monitoring GC/MS method was developed for quantitative analysis, and easily accessible online tools were employed for modeling. Results showed that OGSR residues should be detectable on skin for many hours after a firing event of as few as one or two shots, with detection capability being a function of the efficacy of sampling and sample preparation and the instrumental method employed. The permeation rates of the OGSR compounds were sufficiently different to suggest the potential to develop methods to approximate time-since-deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Wade Moran
- C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University , 1600 University Avenue, Oglebay Hall Room 208, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, United States
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35
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Taudte RV, Beavis A, Blanes L, Cole N, Doble P, Roux C. Detection of gunshot residues using mass spectrometry. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:965403. [PMID: 24977168 PMCID: PMC4055073 DOI: 10.1155/2014/965403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, forensic scientists have become increasingly interested in the detection and interpretation of organic gunshot residues (OGSR) due to the increasing use of lead- and heavy metal-free ammunition. This has also been prompted by the identification of gunshot residue- (GSR-) like particles in environmental and occupational samples. Various techniques have been investigated for their ability to detect OGSR. Mass spectrometry (MS) coupled to a chromatographic system is a powerful tool due to its high selectivity and sensitivity. Further, modern MS instruments can detect and identify a number of explosives and additives which may require different ionization techniques. Finally, MS has been applied to the analysis of both OGSR and inorganic gunshot residue (IGSR), although the "gold standard" for analysis is scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray microscopy (SEM-EDX). This review presents an overview of the technical attributes of currently available MS and ionization techniques and their reported applications to GSR analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Verena Taudte
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Alison Beavis
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Lucas Blanes
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Nerida Cole
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Philip Doble
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Claude Roux
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
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