Development of a GC-MS method for the simultaneous analysis of latent fingerprint components.
Latent fingerprint residue is a complex mixture of organic and inorganic compounds. A full understanding of the composition of this mixture and how it changes after deposition is lacking. Three solvent systems were compared for the simultaneous extraction and derivatization with ethyl chloroformate of selected amino and fatty acids from a nonporous substrate (Mylar for subsequent analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A solvent system comprised of sodium hydroxide, ethanol, and pyridine was found to be the most effective. This method was applied to the analysis of latent fingerprint residue deposited on Mylar and preliminary data are presented. Twelve amino acids (e.g., serine, glycine, and aspartic acid) and 10 fatty acids (e.g., tetradecanoic, hexadecanoic, and octadecanoic acids) were identified. The potential application of this method to further the understanding of latent fingerprint chemistry has been demonstrated.
Croxton
Ruth S
RS
Department of Forensic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK. rcroxton@lincoln.ac.uk
Baron
Mark G
MG
Butler
David
D
Kent
Terry
T
Sears
Vaughn G
VG
D000596:Amino Acids / Q000032:analysis; D003878:Dermatoglyphics; D000431:Ethanol; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000032:analysis; D005563:Formic Acid Esters; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011725:Pyridines; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide; D012997:Solvents; D013499:Surface Properties
D000596:Amino Acids; D005227:Fatty Acids; D005563:Formic Acid Esters; D011725:Pyridines; D012997:Solvents; C007658:ethyl chloroformate; D000431:Ethanol; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide; C023666:pyridine