title: Proteomics goes forensic: Detection and mapping of blood signatures in fingermarks.
abstract: A bottom up in situ proteomic method has been developed enabling the mapping of multiple blood signatures on the intact ridges of blood fingermarks by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MALDI-MSI). This method, at a proof of concept stage, builds upon recently published work demonstrating the opportunity to profile and identify multiple blood signatures in bloodstains via a bottom up proteomic approach. The present protocol addresses the limitation of the previously developed profiling method with respect to destructivity; destructivity should be avoided for evidence such as blood fingermarks, where the ridge detail must be preserved in order to provide the associative link between the biometric information and the events of bloodshed. Using a blood mark reference model, trypsin concentration and spraying conditions have been optimised within the technical constraints of the depositor eventually employed; the application of MALDI-MSI and Ion Mobility MS have enabled the detection, confirmation and visualisation of blood signatures directly onto the ridge pattern. These results are to be considered a first insight into a method eventually informing investigations (and judicial debates) of violent crimes in which the reliable and non-destructive detection and mapping of blood in fingermarks is paramount to reconstruct the events of bloodshed.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging, Biomolecular Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Deininger
authors.affiliation: Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging, Biomolecular Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: Ekta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.affiliation: Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging, Biomolecular Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: Malcolm R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Clench
authors.affiliation: Centre for Applied Science and Technology, Home Office, St Albans, UK.
authors.forename: Vaughn
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sears
authors.affiliation: Materials and Engineering Research Institute, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sammon
authors.affiliation: Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging, Biomolecular Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Francese
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D053803:Forensic Genetics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D040901:Proteomics; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization / Q000379:methods*; D014357:Trypsin / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D014357:Trypsin
keywords: Blood; Forensics; MALDI-MSI; Proteomics; Shotgun; Technology