Preliminary studies identifying and quantifying trace metal impurities in illicit ecstasy tablets using atomic spectrometry techniques

This paper illustrates some preliminary investigations into using ICP-MS in combination with ET-AAS in the analysis of Ecstasy tablets. Results indicate that a combination of both techniques can show discriminating power between seizures. Descriptions of the modifications made to optimise the ET-AAS system are described

Ultralow detection of 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine using an immunofluorescence nanoconjugate of heavy metal-free alloyed quantum dots and NiCeFe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles

The recreational use of 3,4-methyl​enedioxy​methylamphetamine (MDMA) remains consistently high on a global level. This reinforces the importance of early, rapid and accurate detection of MDMA. This work reports on the novel development of a rapid, ultrasensitive and selective immunofluorescence nanobiosensor probe for MDMA. To develop the nanoprobe, heavy metal-free AuZnFeSeS alloyed quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized and coated with carboxy (COOH)-silica and subsequently conjugated to an anti-MDMA antibody (Ab). Secondly, spinel NiCeFe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized, surface functionalized with L-cysteine and conjugated to the same anti-MDMA Ab. An immunocomplex was established where both AuZnFeSeS QDs-Ab and NiCeFe3O4-Ab each captured the target MDMA drug. The bound QDs fluorescently reported the surface biomolecular interaction between the nanomaterials and Ab while the bound NiCeFe3O4 MNPs functioned as an adsorbent and as a signal amplifier. The Ab binding on AuZnFeSeS QDs surface switched off the fluorescence of the QDs but upon interaction of AuZnFeSeS QDs-Ab with NiCeFe3O4-Ab, the fluorescence of the bound QDs was switched on. Experimental analysis revealed the inefficiency of AuZnFeSeS QDs-Ab (without NiCeFe3O4-Ab) to detect MDMA ultrasensitively and selectively; hence, the use of NiCeFe3O4-Ab was justified in the probe system. Under optimum reaction conditions, MDMA was quantitatively detected using the AuZnFeSeS QDs-Ab-NiCeFe3O4-Ab nanocomplex in the concentration range of 0.05–50,000 nM and a detection limit of 0.02 nM (0.0046 ng/mL) was obtained. The developed AuZnFeSeS QDs-Ab-NiCeFe3O4-Ab nanoprobe was successfully used to detect MDMA in urine with satisfactory recoveries

Is there a relationship between fingerprint donation and DNA shedding?

This research investigates the possible relationship between fingerprint donation and DNA shedding. Volunteers were asked to provide a series of fingerprint depletions on glass. The level of fingerprint detail developed and DNA profiling results obtained were compared for each donor to investigate whether a relationship between fingerprint donation and DNA shedding exists. Our results suggest that between comparisons of donors, there is no statistical difference between the left and right hand of our volunteers in terms of fingerprint donation, but there is a statistical difference in terms of DNA shedding with three of our eight donors. Our results also indicate that there is no correlation between fingerprint donation and DNA shedding, meaning that an enhanced fingerprint with full ridge detail will not necessarily give a full DNA profile. In serious crime, these two avenues of evidence must be explored

Reviewing Research Trends:A Scientometric Approach Using Gunshot Residue (GSR) Literature as an Example

The ability to manage, distil and disseminate the significant amount of information that is available from published literature is fast becoming a core and critical skill across all research domains, including that of forensic science. In this study, a simplified scientometric approach has been applied to available literature on gunshot residue (GSR) as a test evidence type aiming to evaluate publication trends and explore the interconnectivity between authors. A total of 731 publications were retrieved using the search engine ‘Scopus’ and come from 1589 known authors, of whom 401 contributed to more than one research output on this subject. Out of the total number of publications, only 35 (4.8%) were found to be Open Access (OA). The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for years 2006 and 2016 reveals a much higher growth in publications relating to GSR (8.0%) than the benchmark annual growth rate of 3.9%. The distribution of a broad spectrum of keywords generated from the publications confirms a historical trend, in particular regarding the use of analytical techniques, in the study of gunshot residue. The results inform how relevant information extracted from a bibliometric search can be used to explore, analyse and define new research areas

DNA recovery from biological material on mini tapes using a simple extraction buffer and solid phase reversible immobilisation (SPRI) purification

In this study, we compare the performance of a simple PVP extraction method with a commercially available and widely used kit for recovering DNA from adhesive tapes. This novel method shows almost 60% higher DNA recovery from blood deposits on SceneSafe Fast™ minitapes when compared to the PrepFiler™ BTA Forensic DNA Extraction Kit. We also demonstrate how a simple modification of the magnetic bead-based purification step can lead to better recovery and removal of PCR inhibitors.<br/