Detection and mapping of illicit drugs and their metabolites in fingermarks by MALDI MS and compatibility with forensic techniques

Despite the proven capabilities of Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (MALDI MS) in laboratory settings, research is still needed to integrate this technique into current forensic fingerprinting practice. Optimised protocols enabling the compatible application of MALDI to developed fingermarks will allow additional intelligence to be gathered around a suspect’s lifestyle and activities prior to the deposition of their fingermarks while committing a crime. The detection and mapping of illicit drugs and metabolites in latent fingermarks would provide intelligence that is beneficial for both police investigations and court cases. This study investigated MALDI MS detection and mapping capabilities for a large range of drugs of abuse and their metabolites in fingermarks; the detection and mapping of a mixture of these drugs in marks, with and without prior development with cyanoacrylate fuming or Vacuum Metal Deposition, was also examined. Our findings indicate the versatility of MALDI technology and its ability to retrieve chemical intelligence either by detecting the compounds investigated or by using their ion signals to reconstruct 2D maps of fingermark ridge details

New range limits of the sun-tailed monkey, Cercopithecus solatus, in Central Gabon

Cercopithecus solatus is a recently discovered monkey endemic to Gabon, present in parts of the Lopé National Park and the Forêt des Abeilles in the center of the country. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List (2010) due to its restricted extent of occurrence and continuing decline in population caused by high hunting pressure. All known field observations of this species are compiled here. Data collected since 1999 show that C. solatus occurs further to the south, east, and west than was previously known, and that its extent of occurrence almost certainly includes three national parks, rather than one

Profiling and imaging of forensic evidence – a pan-European forensic round robin study part 1: document forgery

The forensic scenario, on which the round robin study was based, simulated a suspected intentional manipulation of a real estate rental agreement consisting of a total of three pages. The aims of this study were to (i) establish the amount and reliability of information extractable from a single type of evidence and to (ii) provide suggestions on the most suitable combination of compatible techniques for a multi-modal imaging approach to forgery detection. To address these aims, seventeen laboratories from sixteen countries were invited to answer the following tasks questions: (i) which printing technique was used? (ii) were the three pages printed with the same printer? (iii) were the three pages made from the same paper? (iv) were the three pages originally stapled? (v) were the headings and signatures written with the same ink? and (vi) were headings and signatures of the same age on all pages? The methods used were classified into the following categories: Optical spectroscopy, including multispectral imaging, smartphone mapping, UV-luminescence and LIBS; Infrared spectroscopy, including Raman and FTIR (micro-)spectroscopy; X-ray spectroscopy, including SEM-EDX, PIXE and XPS; Mass spectrometry, including ICPMS, SIMS, MALDI and LDIMS; Electrostatic imaging, as well as non-imaging methods, such as non-multimodal visual inspection, (micro-)spectroscopy, physical testing and thin layer chromatography. The performance of the techniques was evaluated as the proportion of discriminated sample pairs to all possible sample pairs. For the undiscriminated sample pairs, a distinction was made between undecidability and false positive claims. It was found that none of the methods used were able to solve all tasks completely and/or correctly and that certain methods were a priori judged unsuitable by the laboratories for some tasks. Correct results were generally achieved for the discrimination of printer toners, whereas incorrect results in the discrimination of inks. For the discrimination of paper, solid state analytical methods proved to be superior to mass spectrometric methods. None of the participating laboratories deemed addressing ink age feasible. It was concluded that correct forensic statements can only be achieved by the complementary application of different methods and that the classical approach of round robin studies to send standardised subsamples to the participants is not feasible for a true multimodal approach if the techniques are not available at one location

Introduction: Fingerprint Development Techniques: Theory and Application

© 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved. A comprehensive review of the latest fingerprint development and imaging techniques. With contributions from leading experts in the field, Fingerprint Development Techniques offers a comprehensive review of the key techniques used in the development and imaging of fingerprints. It includes a review of the properties of fingerprints, the surfaces that fingerprints are deposited on, and the interactions that can occur between fingerprints, surfaces and environments. Comprehensive in scope, the text explores the history of each process, the theory behind the way fingerprints are either developed or imaged, and information about the role of each of the chemical constituents in recommended formulations. The authors explain the methodology employed for carrying out comparisons of effectiveness of various development techniques that clearly demonstrate how to select the most effective approaches. The text also explores how techniques can be used in sequence and with techniques for recovering other forms of forensic evidence. In addition, the book offers a guide for the selection of fingerprint development techniques and includes information on the influence of surface contamination and exposure conditions. This important resource: Provides clear methodologies for conducting comparisons of fingerprint development technique effectiveness; Contains in-depth assessment of fingerprint constituents and how they are utilized by development and imaging processes; Includes background information on fingerprint chemistry; Offers a comprehensive history, the theory, and the applications for a broader range of processes, including the roles of each constituent in reagent formulations. Fingerprint Development Techniques offers a comprehensive guide to fingerprint development and imaging, building on much of the previously unpublished research of the Home Office Centre for Applied Science and Technology

Fingerprint Development Techniques: Theory and Application

A comprehensive review of the latest fingerprint development and imaging techniques

Fluorescent metal organic frameworks for the visual enhancement of latent fingermarks

Lanthanide-based (Eu and Tb) metal organic frameworks (MOFs) synthesized in this work are highly fluorescent crystalline structures that form through a self-assembly process in an aqueous environment. Various bio-organic molecules, including proteins and amino acids, can act as inducing agents for this process. The fact that these components are present in fingermark secretions, in combination with the excellent luminescent properties of the MOFs, create a visualisation method for (latent) fingermarks. The aqueous MOF precursor solutions are not ideal for the visualisation of latent fingermarks on non-porous surfaces, such as aluminium foil and glass. However, they offer a simple, non-toxic, long-lasting and effective approach for the visibility enhancement of fingermarks treated with cyanoacrylate fuming on aluminium foil and glass and latent fingermarks on the adhesive side of a transparent tape. The luminescent properties of MOF-treated fingermarks persevered for at least 12 months, providing great alternative for commonly used organic dyes such as Basic Yellow 40 and Gentian Violet. In this communication we evaluate the applicability of the proposed method for the forensic fingermark workflow.OLD ChemE/Organic Materials and Interface

Electrochemical cocaine (bio)sensing. From solid electrodes to soft junctions

In this review, we describe the importance and possible electrochemical screening methods for the illicit drug – cocaine. It covers the detection at bare and modified solid electrodes, soft electrified junctions and nanopore sensing. Emphasis is given on interfacial modification techniques and electroanalytical parameters for cocaine detection in different environments, covering the detection from both, model and real samples.Accepted Author ManuscriptOLD ChemE/Organic Materials and Interface