Premium
A novel matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry imaging based methodology for the identification of sexual assault suspects
Author(s) -
Bradshaw Robert,
Wolstenholme Rosalind,
Blackledge Robert D.,
Clench Malcolm R.,
Ferguson Leesa S.,
Francese Simona
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
rapid communications in mass spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.528
H-Index - 136
eISSN - 1097-0231
pISSN - 0951-4198
DOI - 10.1002/rcm.4858
Subject(s) - crime scene , condom , identification (biology) , sexual assault , chemistry , mass spectrometry , ridge , chromatography , psychology , medical emergency , criminology , poison control , medicine , paleontology , botany , syphilis , family medicine , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , injury prevention , biology
An increase in the use of condoms by sexual offenders has been observed. This is likely to be due both to the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and to prevent the transfer of DNA evidence. In this scenario the detection of condom lubricants at a crime scene could aid in proving corpus delicti . Here we show a novel application of Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MALDI MSI) for mapping the fingermark ridge pattern simultaneously to the detection of the condom lubricant within the fingermark itself. Two condom brands have been investigated to prove the concept. Condoms were handled producing lubricant‐contaminated fingermarks. Images of the ridge pattern were obtained simultaneously to the detection of two lubricants, even several weeks after the fingermark deposition. The results therefore show the potential of MALDI MSI to link the suspect (identification through fingermark ridge pattern) to the crime (detection of condom lubricant) in one analysis. This would enable forensic scientists to provide evidence with stronger support in alleged cases of sexual assault. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.