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Evaluation of Four Fingerprint Development Methods for Touch Chemistry Using Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization/Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry ,
Author(s) -
KaplanSandquist Kimberly A.,
LeBeau Marc A.,
Miller Mark L.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/1556-4029.12718
Subject(s) - mass spectrometry , ionization , fingerprint (computing) , desorption , chemistry , matrix (chemical analysis) , time of flight mass spectrometry , matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization , analytical chemistry (journal) , chromatography , ion , computer science , organic chemistry , computer security , adsorption
Four preparation techniques for MALDI / TOF mass spectrometry were compared to determine the ability to gather intelligence for investigations through the chemical analysis of latent fingerprints, defined as “touch chemistry.” Compatible fingerprint development processes used for identification along with new techniques are necessary to evaluate touch chemistry. Ten volunteers deposited fingerprints from solvent residues containing drugs and explosives onto microscope slides. The developers included (A) fingerprint powder, (B) MALDI matrix, (C) fingerprint powder and lifting, and (D) cyanoacrylate fuming with fingerprint powder. Qualitative identification was based on ion images and spectra. The highest average detection rates (88%) were found using methods A and B. Methods C (52%) or D (18%) had limited success. Results demonstrate the importance of imaging coupled to extracted mass spectral data in detecting analytes in deposited fingerprints. Overall, the results suggest continued development of touch chemistry applications could prove useful for gathering intelligence and forensically relevant information.