title: Ultrafast high-resolution mass spectrometric finger pore imaging in latent finger prints.
abstract: Latent finger prints (LFPs) are deposits of sweat components in ridge and groove patterns, left after human fingers contact with a surface. Being important targets in biometry and forensic investigations they contain more information than topological patterns. With laser desorption mass spectrometry imaging (LD-MSI) we record 'three-dimensional' finger prints with additional chemical information as the third dimension. Here we show the potential of fast finger pore imaging (FPI) in latent finger prints employing LD-MSI without a classical matrix in a high- spatial resolution mode. Thin films of gold rapidly sputtered on top of the sample are used for desorption. FPI employing an optical image for rapid spatial orientation and guiding of the desorption laser enables the rapid analysis of individual finger pores, and the chemical composition of their excretions. With this approach we rapidly detect metabolites, drugs, and characteristic excretions from the inside of the human organism by a minimally-invasive strategy, and distinguish them from chemicals in contact with fingers without any labeling. The fast finger pore imaging, analysis, and screening approach opens the door for a vast number of novel applications in such different fields as forensics, doping and medication control, therapy, as well as rapid profiling of individuals.
authors.affiliation: Leibniz Institute of Surface Modification, Permoser Strasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Elsner
authors.affiliation: 1] Leibniz Institute of Surface Modification, Permoser Strasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany [2] W.-Ostwald-Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Linnéstr. 3, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany.
authors.forename: Bernd
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Abel
mesh_terms: D003878:Dermatoglyphics; D039563:Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D017336:Loratadine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization; D013542:Sweat / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D039563:Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating; D017336:Loratadine; C121345:desloratadine