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Kong Y, Shi X, Wang M, Chen W, Li L, Zhang L, Xiao D. Electrochromic visualization of latent fingermarks deposited on nonconductive surfaces. Analyst 2024; 149:4187-4192. [PMID: 38900434 DOI: 10.1039/d4an00632a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Electrochromic visualization of latent fingermarks has already been achieved on conducting surfaces such as stainless steel. However, their enhancement on non-conducting surfaces such as glass via electrochromism has not been reported. Considering the non-conductive nature of substrates, a layer of gold was introduced to the fingermark-bearing surfaces, in which gold was used as the cathodes to assemble electrochromic devices for visualization. The contact between gold nanoparticles of the as-obtained conducting layer in the fingermark region should be affected by the height difference within the fingermark, leading to conductivity differences, which give rise to coloration differences in electrochromic devices. It is demonstrated that 1,1'-dibenzyl-4,4'-bipyridinium dichloride can be used as the electrochromic chromophore for the visualization of latent fingermarks deposited on nonconducting surfaces, and the primary and secondary characteristic information can be obtained. The electrochromic visualization herein solves the problem of electrochromically enhancing latent fingermarks on non-conducting surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Kong
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), School of Flexible Electronics (Future Technologies), Nanjing Tech University, 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, China.
| | - Xiuge Shi
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), School of Flexible Electronics (Future Technologies), Nanjing Tech University, 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, China.
| | - Meng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), School of Flexible Electronics (Future Technologies), Nanjing Tech University, 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, China.
| | - Weiyi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), School of Flexible Electronics (Future Technologies), Nanjing Tech University, 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, China.
| | - Lu Li
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), School of Flexible Electronics (Future Technologies), Nanjing Tech University, 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, China.
| | - Lan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), School of Flexible Electronics (Future Technologies), Nanjing Tech University, 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, China.
| | - Debao Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), School of Flexible Electronics (Future Technologies), Nanjing Tech University, 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, China.
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2
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Frisch K, Nielsen KL, Hasselstro M JRB, Fink R, Rasmussen SV, Johannsen M. Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Powder-Treated Fingermarks on Forensic Gelatin Lifters and its Application for Separating Overlapping Fingermarks. Anal Chem 2024. [PMID: 39028891 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c02305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Fingermarks are frequently collected at crime scenes by using gelatin lifters for preservation and transport of the marks to a forensic laboratory for inspection. The gelatin lifters preserve both the imprint of the fingermark pattern necessary for identification purposes and the chemical residue of the mark potentially useful for profiling the person who left the fingermark. The fingermark patterns are traditionally recorded using photography/optical imaging, but methods for chemical analysis of fingermark residues on gelatin lifters are scarce. Here we report the first method for the chemical analysis of fingermarks on gelatin lifters using desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) imaging. The imaging can be done directly on the gelatin support without any sample preparation, supporting immediate operational use of the method for fingermarks collected at crime scenes. Operational use of the method is further supported by successful chemical imaging of fingermarks enhanced by traditional dusting with forensic powders and lifted off different surfaces (glass, stainless steel, painted aluminum, polystyrene, cardboard, and plastic) as well as fingermarks lifted multiple times. We also demonstrate that the present method can be used to visually separate natural overlapping powder-treated fingermarks, and the chemical composition of the fingermarks can be analyzed on the gelatin support by DESI-MS/MS. The presented method has potential for integration into the traditional workflow for fingermark analysis, and will allow more fingermarks collected at crime scenes to be evaluated both visually and chemically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Frisch
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N 8200, Denmark
| | - Kirstine L Nielsen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N 8200, Denmark
| | | | - Rikke Fink
- National Special Crime Unit, Danish Police, Glostrup 2600, Denmark
| | | | - Mogens Johannsen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N 8200, Denmark
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3
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Amin MO, Al-Hetlani E. Matrix- and surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry analysis of fingermark components for forensic studies: current trends and future prospects. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024; 416:3751-3764. [PMID: 38647691 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-024-05297-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The chemical analysis of fingermarks (FMs) has attracted considerable attention in the realm of forensic investigations. Techniques based on direct ionization of a sample by laser irradiation, specifically matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), have provided excellent figures of merit for analyzing high molecular-weight compounds. However, it can be challenging to analyze low molecular-weight compounds using MALDI-MS owing to potential interference produced by the organic matrices in the low molecular-weight region, which can impede the detection of small molecules (m/z < 700 Da). Alternately, surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS) has shown great promise for small molecules analysis owing to the unique properties of the nanostructures used, particularly, minimal chemical background in low m/z region improved the production of ions involved in this method. The advancement of MALDI-MS and SALDI-MS has propelled their application in the analysis of FM components, focused on gaining deep insights into individual traits. This review aims to outline the current role of MALDI-MS and SALDI-MS in the chemical analysis of FMs. It also describes the latest achievements in forensic intelligence derived from fingermark analysis using these powerful methods. The accomplishments include the understanding of certain characteristics and lifestyles of donors. The review offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges and demands in this field. It suggests potential enhancements in this rapidly expanding domain to bridge the gap between research and practical police casework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed O Amin
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 5969, 13060, Safat, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
| | - Entesar Al-Hetlani
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 5969, 13060, Safat, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
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Carneiro CR, Silva CS, Weber IT. A preliminary study of fingerprint aging using near infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI). ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:6451-6459. [PMID: 37975279 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01386c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Fingerprinting is one of the most commonly used techniques to obtain pieces of evidence for identification of individuals. An estimation of how long a trace has been left at a crime scene could represent an important improvement for criminal investigations. There is no reliable analytical method, however, to estimate the age of a fingerprint, since this is an uncontrolled process and changes are affected by factors such as environmental conditions. This study aims to better understand the aging process of fingerprints and identify the relevant variables and limitations of the fingerprint aging process using near infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI). For this purpose, aging of the fingerprints of 13 volunteers was evaluated using partial least squares - discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) as a preliminary exploratory approach. Four different modelling approaches were evaluated. The percentage of correctly classified pixels varied from 20.92% to 66.67%. An analysis of the associated spectra found that during the first days of aging the degradation of fat-soluble components, as well as the elimination/absorption of water, seemed to follow non-uniform trends and vary in degradation rate from donor to donor. Better classification tended to occur over longer aging times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline R Carneiro
- University of Brasília, Institute of Chemistry, LIMA, Brasília, 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Carolina S Silva
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Espoo, 02150, Finland
| | - Ingrid T Weber
- University of Brasília, Institute of Chemistry, LIMA, Brasília, 70910-900, Brazil.
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5
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Weber A, Hoplight B, Ogilvie R, Muro C, Khandasammy SR, Pérez-Almodóvar L, Sears S, Lednev IK. Innovative Vibrational Spectroscopy Research for Forensic Application. Anal Chem 2023; 95:167-205. [PMID: 36625116 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Weber
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222, United States.,SupreMEtric LLC, 7 University Pl. B210, Rensselaer, New York 12144, United States
| | - Bailey Hoplight
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Rhilynn Ogilvie
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Claire Muro
- New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center, Building #30, Campus Access Rd., Albany, New York 12203, United States
| | - Shelby R Khandasammy
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Luis Pérez-Almodóvar
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Samuel Sears
- 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.,SupreMEtric LLC, 7 University Pl. B210, Rensselaer, New York 12144, United States
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Bécue A, Champod C. Interpol review of fingermarks and other body impressions 2019 - 2022). Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2022; 6:100304. [PMID: 36636235 PMCID: PMC9830181 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2022.100304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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7
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Pallocci M, Treglia M, Passalacqua P, Luca LD, Zanovello C, Mazzuca D, Guarna F, Gratteri S, Marsella LT. Forensic applications of hyperspectral imaging technique: a narrative review. Med Leg J 2022; 90:216-220. [PMID: 36121069 DOI: 10.1177/00258172221105381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) collects and processes information from the entire electromagnetic spectrum to obtain the spectrum of each pixel in the image of a scene, with the aim of finding objects and identifying materials. It is a non-contact, non-destructive technology that can be used without modifying or altering the analysed target. Forensic analysis and crime scene investigations are two of the most investigated fields of application, being able to detect and analyse many types of evidence.In this paper we analysed the most commonly reported forensic science applications.The literature indicates that the fields in which HSI appears most promising are the analysis of blood traces, document forgery, gunshot residues and the identification of fingerprints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Pallocci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Treglia
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Passalacqua
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucilla De Luca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Zanovello
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Mazzuca
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Guarna
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Santo Gratteri
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Luigi T Marsella
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
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Analysis of fingermark constituents: a systematic review of quantitative studies. CHEMICAL PAPERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11696-022-02232-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
AbstractFingermark identification has significance in forensic science, particularly in the processing of crime scene evidence. The majority of literature focused on physical interpretation of fingermarks with limited studies relating to chemical analysis. This systematic review investigated prospective studies dealing with the analysis of latent fingermark constituents. Studies included were those concerned with the analysis of intrinsic organic constituents present in latent fingerprints. Studies with no clear procedure were excluded. Data from the studies were exported into SPSS v22 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) where descriptive statistics were applied. The data extraction yielded 19 studies related to identification of lipids (n = 66) and/or amino acids (n =27) in latent fingermarks. The primary lipid identified was squalene and the major amino acids included: alanine, glycine, leucine, lysine, and serine. For identification of the aforementioned constituents both chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques of which the main technique was gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Prior to analysis, the majority of studies involved collection of fingermarks from both hands at room temperature. Deposition was done on different substrates of which the main were glass, Mylar strips, aluminium sheets or paper. In conclusion, chemical analysis of latent fingermarks enabled identifying key biomarkers of individual that could serve as complementary evidence in crime scene investigation.
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Nejdl L, Havlikova M, Mravec F, Vaculovic T, Faltusova V, Pavelicova K, Baron M, Kumsta M, Ondrousek V, Adam V, Vaculovicova M. UV-Induced fingerprint spectroscopy. Food Chem 2022; 368:130499. [PMID: 34496333 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.130499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Here, we present the potential analytical applications of photochemistry in combination with fluorescence fingerprinting. Our approach analyzes the fluorescence of samples after ultraviolet light (UV) treatment. Especially in presence of metal ions and thiol-containing compounds, the fluorescence behavior changes considerably. The UV-induced reactions (changes) are unique to a given sample composition, resulting in distinct patterns or fingerprints (typically in the 230-600 nm spectral region). This method works without the need for additional chemicals or fluorescent probes, only suitable diluent must be used. The proposed method (UV fingerprinting) suggests the option of recognizing various types of pharmaceuticals, beverages (juices and wines), and other samples within only a few minutes. In some studied samples (e.g. pharmaceuticals), significant changes in fluorescence characteristics (mainly fluorescence intensity) were observed. We believe that the fingerprinting technique can provide an innovative solution for analytical detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Nejdl
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 123, CZ-612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Havlikova
- Materials Research Centre, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Mravec
- Materials Research Centre, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Vaculovic
- Department of Chemistry, Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Kamenice 5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Faltusova
- Department of Chemistry, Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, Kamenice 5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kristyna Pavelicova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mojmir Baron
- Department of Viticulture and Enology, Mendel University in Brno, Lednice, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Kumsta
- Department of Viticulture and Enology, Mendel University in Brno, Lednice, Czech Republic
| | - Vit Ondrousek
- Department of Informatics, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Adam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 123, CZ-612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marketa Vaculovicova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 123, CZ-612 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
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10
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Amin MO, Al-Hetlani E, Lednev IK. Trends in vibrational spectroscopy of fingermarks for forensic purposes. Trends Analyt Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2021.116341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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11
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Marshall JS, Sita ML, Landers JP. Microfluidic Device for the Identification of Biological Sex by Analysis of Latent Fingermark Deposits. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:442. [PMID: 33921163 PMCID: PMC8071498 DOI: 10.3390/mi12040442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
To date, most research regarding amino acid detection and quantification in fingermarks relies on spectrometric methods. Herein, the Sakaguchi colorimetric test was adapted to a rotationally-driven microfluidic platform and used to detect and quantify arginine in fingermarks deposited by male and female donors. A red color indicates the presence of arginine in a given sample following the reaction, and the intensity of this color is linearly proportional to the concentration. Objective detection and quantification of arginine were accomplished using image analysis software (freeware) based on this colorimetric result. The mean concentrations obtained in a blind study were 96.4 ± 5.1 µM for samples from female donors and 55.3 ± 5.3 µM for samples from males. These were not statistically different from the literature values of 94.8 µM ± 12.9 µM for females (p = 0.908) and 54.0 ± 12.6 µM for males (p = 0.914), respectively (± SEM in all cases). Conversely, the experimental means from males and female samples were statistically different from each other (p < 0.001). Objective differentiation between male and female fingermark deposits was achieved in a blind study with 93% accuracy. Additionally, the method was compatible both with samples lifted from common surfaces and with magnetically-powdered samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamila S. Marshall
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA; (J.S.M.); (M.L.S.)
| | - Madelyn L. Sita
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA; (J.S.M.); (M.L.S.)
| | - James P. Landers
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA; (J.S.M.); (M.L.S.)
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
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