Forensic Chemistry最新文献_第2页

The comparison of volatile organic compound profiles between human and non-human bones and its application to human remains detection dogs

IF 2.6 3区医学

Forensic Chemistry Pub Date : 2025-01-23 DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2025.100642

Marissa Tsontakis , Darshil Patel , Frédérique Ouimet , Clifford Samson , Wesley S Burr , Shari L. Forbes

{"title":"The comparison of volatile organic compound profiles between human and non-human bones and its application to human remains detection dogs","authors":"Marissa Tsontakis , Darshil Patel , Frédérique Ouimet , Clifford Samson , Wesley S Burr , Shari L. Forbes","doi":"10.1016/j.forc.2025.100642","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forc.2025.100642","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Human Remains Detection (HRD) dogs are specifically trained to aid law enforcement agencies in search operations for deceased victims. Their olfactory sensitivity and specificity highlight the importance of choosing target odor sources for HRD training. While HRD dogs rely on olfactory cues to locate human remains, it is important to identify which volatile organic compounds (VOCs) they are alerting to among those released during the various stages of the human decomposition process. In this study, VOC profiles from human and non-human bones were collected and analyzed using thermal desorption coupled to comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TD-GC × GC-TOFMS). The non-human decomposition VOC profiles were compared to human VOC profiles obtained from sections of amputated human limbs used as HRD training aids. These limb sections were previously decomposed to the dry remains/skeletonization stage. The olfactory responses of HRD dogs in the presence of these training aids and non-human remains were subsequently investigated with results demonstrating their capability in distinguishing human from non-human remains. Highlighting the differences in VOC profiles between human and non-human decomposition may help to enhance the sensitivity of HRD dogs to human remains while recognizing the importance of using human cadaveric material for training purposes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":324,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Chemistry","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 100642"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143144618","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Quantitative analysis of cannabinoids by zone heat-assisted DART-MS with in-situ flash derivatization

IF 2.6 3区医学

Forensic Chemistry Pub Date : 2025-01-12 DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2025.100641

Wen Dong , Junxiaohan Yuan , Xin Yang , Ning Zhang , Mengliang Zhang

{"title":"Quantitative analysis of cannabinoids by zone heat-assisted DART-MS with in-situ flash derivatization","authors":"Wen Dong , Junxiaohan Yuan , Xin Yang , Ning Zhang , Mengliang Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.forc.2025.100641","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forc.2025.100641","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Accurate quantitation of cannabinoids, particularly Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), is essential for regulatory compliance, forensic investigations, and cannabis product development. Traditional methods, such as liquid chromatography (LC) and gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectrometry, provide reliable results but are time-consuming and resource-intensive. This study introduces a rapid and high-throughput analytical method using zone heat-assisted direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) combined with in-situ flash derivatization. The method employs trimethylphenylammonium hydroxide (TMPAH) for efficient derivatization, allowing for the differentiation of THC, CBD, and their acidic precursors, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). A custom heated transfer zone was implemented to enhance derivatization efficiency and reduce carryover effects. The method was optimized for reagent concentration and gas stream temperature, achieving high specificity by minimizing interference from isomeric cannabinoids. Validation studies demonstrate good accuracy (relative error within ±15.9 %) and precision (relative standard deviation ≤15 %), with limits of quantitation of 7.5 µg/mL for THC/CBD and 0.5 µg/mL for THCA/CBDA. Comparative analysis of cannabis samples showed a strong correlation with reference LC/MS results, highlighting the reliability of the proposed method. DART-MS offers a significant time advantage, requiring only 10 s per analysis, making it a promising tool for high-throughput screening of cannabis samples in forensic laboratories.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":324,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Chemistry","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 100641"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143144617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Detection and quantitation of the semi-synthetic cannabinoid hexahydrocannabinol in seized samples from Scottish prisons

IF 2.6 3区医学

Forensic Chemistry Pub Date : 2025-01-11 DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2025.100640

Letícia Birk , Victoria Marland , Sarah Eller , Tiago Franco de Oliveira , Niamh Nic Daéid , Lorna Nisbet

{"title":"Detection and quantitation of the semi-synthetic cannabinoid hexahydrocannabinol in seized samples from Scottish prisons","authors":"Letícia Birk , Victoria Marland , Sarah Eller , Tiago Franco de Oliveira , Niamh Nic Daéid , Lorna Nisbet","doi":"10.1016/j.forc.2025.100640","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forc.2025.100640","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The dynamic new psychoactive substance market is constantly evolving and adapting as new legislative regulations are established. The prevalence of new psychoactive substances within the Scottish prison Service has been well documented, with this unique illicit drug ecosystem facilitating the detection of compounds often preceding their identification in forensic toxicology samples. This study provides an overview of two case samples seized from Scottish prisons between November 2023 and April 2024, where the semi-synthetic cannabinoid, hexahydrocannabinol, was identified following a quantitative gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. This semi-synthetic cannabinoid was detected alongside other traditional cannabinoids including cannabidiol, cannabinol, Δ<sup>9</sup>-tetrahydrocannabinol, and Δ<sup>8</sup>-tetrahydrocannabinol. Variability of the ratio between hexahydrocannabinol isomers was observed in the samples, as well as variability in the concentrations of other cannabinoids. This highlights the importance of quantitative analysis, as distinct effects can be expected from the variable sample compositions. In conclusion, this study marks the first detections of the semi-synthetic cannabinoid, hexahydrocannabinol, within the Scottish prison estate, demonstrating its emergence within that illicit drug market.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":324,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Chemistry","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 100640"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143144580","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Flammable liquids in non-flammable products as potential interferences in the determination of ignitable liquid residues in fire debris

IF 2.6 3区医学

Forensic Chemistry Pub Date : 2025-01-08 DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2025.100639

Chaney A. Ganninger , Gabriel M. Walkup , Sierra M. Fleegle , Glen P. Jackson

{"title":"Flammable liquids in non-flammable products as potential interferences in the determination of ignitable liquid residues in fire debris","authors":"Chaney A. Ganninger , Gabriel M. Walkup , Sierra M. Fleegle , Glen P. Jackson","doi":"10.1016/j.forc.2025.100639","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forc.2025.100639","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The clothing of suspected arsonists is often analyzed for the presence of ignitable liquids. Personal care products (PCPs) are ubiquitous in our society and can contaminate clothing, so their potential interference is an important consideration in the interpretation of casework samples. Thirty-two samples of various hygiene products and hand cleaners were analyzed using headspace concentration-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Despite occasionally containing one or two hydrocarbon compounds found in ignitable liquids, all the antiperspirants and deodorants were readily distinguished from ignitable liquids because they lacked any of the key diagnostic features of ignitable liquids in their extracted ion profiles (EIPs). Two samples labeled as hand cleaners displayed characteristic patterns of heavy petroleum distillates, which, if found on a suspect’s clothing, could cause the misleading assumption that the source of the liquid was flammable. However, the petroleum distillates in these two hand-cleaning products were not flammable, according to both their packaging and safety data sheets, because they were formulated as emulsions with water. This study also includes a casework example of a heavy petroleum distillate in a fire debris sample. However, the co-presence of abundant fatty acid methyl esters increased the probability that the original source was either a biodiesel blend or a non-flammable formulation product and therefore raises reasonable doubt about the flammability of the original product. The results of this work are limited by the GC/MS method, which could not detect volatiles like acetone, propanol, and ethanol eluting before a retention index of 700 nor non-volatile emulsifiers/surfactants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":324,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Chemistry","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 100639"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143144579","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

GC-VUV spectroscopy of synthetic cannabinoid isomers, diastereomers and homologs: Increasing differentiation by derivative spectral processing

IF 2.6 3区医学

Forensic Chemistry Pub Date : 2024-12-25 DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2024.100635

Annika Dombrowski, Diana Le, Ira S. Lurie

{"title":"GC-VUV spectroscopy of synthetic cannabinoid isomers, diastereomers and homologs: Increasing differentiation by derivative spectral processing","authors":"Annika Dombrowski, Diana Le, Ira S. Lurie","doi":"10.1016/j.forc.2024.100635","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forc.2024.100635","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The increased prevalence of synthetic drugs has led to a rise in isomeric compounds on the market, resulting in a need for analysis techniques capable of distinguishing between these analytes. Previous research has investigated the potential of gas chromatography – vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy (GC-VUV) for this purpose, demonstrating its complimentary nature to the more traditional gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC–MS). This work reinforces the value of GC-VUV and demonstrates its potential for GC–MS-like specificity through the application of derivative analysis to VUV spectra. Seventeen JWH 018 positional isomers and six diastereomers, including two homologs, were analyzed by GC-VUV and derivative analysis. Library searches and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to compare the specificity of non-, first, and second derivative spectra. Derivative analysis was found to increase specificity in library searches by lowering the frequency of false hits, and in PCA by improving separation and clustering. This demonstrates the potential value of GC-VUV analysis in general, as well as of the implementation of derivative analysis for isomer identification.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":324,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Chemistry","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 100635"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143145518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Characterizing nitrocellulose by nitration degree and molecular weight: A user-friendly yet powerful forensic comparison method for smokeless powders

IF 2.6 3区医学

Forensic Chemistry Pub Date : 2024-12-24 DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2024.100637

Rick S. van den Hurk , Ids B. Lemmink , Jade R. van Schaik , Annemieke W.C. Hulsbergen , Ron A.H. Peters , Bob W.J. Pirok , Arian C. van Asten

{"title":"Characterizing nitrocellulose by nitration degree and molecular weight: A user-friendly yet powerful forensic comparison method for smokeless powders","authors":"Rick S. van den Hurk , Ids B. Lemmink , Jade R. van Schaik , Annemieke W.C. Hulsbergen , Ron A.H. Peters , Bob W.J. Pirok , Arian C. van Asten","doi":"10.1016/j.forc.2024.100637","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forc.2024.100637","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Smokeless powders (SPs) are commonly used as propellant for ammunition but are also used as explosive component in improvised explosive devices. Therefore, its chemical characterization is of high importance when reporting forensic explosives investigations to a court of law. While conventional analytical strategies focus on the characterization of the additives in SPs, only few methods consider the main explosive component in SP, nitrocellulose (NC).</div><div>In this study, a user-friendly analytical method was developed for characterizing NC in SPs. The method employs size-exclusion chromatography combined with ultraviolet (UV) and refractive index (RI) detection. Through the size separation, the SP additives are separated from the polymeric NC because of their lower molecular weight. The novel part of the system lies in the simultaneous measurement of the molecular-weight distribution (MWD) and the nitration degree, thus boosting the discriminating power obtained from a single analysis. The combined use of two detectors enables a highly specific analysis, because the ratio between the UV and RI signal intensities is directly correlated with the nitration degree of NC. Characterizing the nitrocellulose demonstrated high discriminating powers of 98.95 % for the MWD and 92.65 % for the nitration degree using a set of 20 SP products. Combined, all sample pairs in our sample set could be distinguished.</div><div>The proposed method is not limited to product classification that is obtained from additive profiles, and potentially offers individualization at batch level. This method provides high discriminating power while requiring little financial investment with regards to instrumentation and maintenance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":324,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Chemistry","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 100637"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143145514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Evaluation of the incorporation of µ-XRF SDD systems in analytical workflows of black electrical tapes

IF 2.6 3区医学

Forensic Chemistry Pub Date : 2024-12-24 DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2024.100638

Lacey Leatherland , Ruthmara Corzo , Charlotte Vogler , Addio Fiordigigli , Cedric Neumann , Tatiana Trejos

{"title":"Evaluation of the incorporation of µ-XRF SDD systems in analytical workflows of black electrical tapes","authors":"Lacey Leatherland , Ruthmara Corzo , Charlotte Vogler , Addio Fiordigigli , Cedric Neumann , Tatiana Trejos","doi":"10.1016/j.forc.2024.100638","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forc.2024.100638","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Micro-X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (µ-XRF) is a technique widely adopted in forensic laboratories that has recently experienced a significant improvement with silicon drift detectors (SDDs). However, the research lag in this area has not caught up with the emergent instrumental modernization. This study expands the current body of knowledge by addressing this gap and evaluating the optimal workflow to incorporate µ-XRF SDD methods in electrical tape examinations. The experimental design evaluates sample handling and chemical data interpretation when the tape needs to undergo latent fingerprint development. The dataset includes contemporary electrical tape from 45 rolls produced in four countries, seven manufacturers, ten brands, and various quality grades (high, medium, low); ten sections are sampled per roll. Pairwise comparisons (990) evaluate between-source discrimination and false inclusions. Also, the set contains five same-source rolls with 20 sections per roll to evaluate within-source variability and false exclusions (950 pairwise comparisons). Samples are examined by µ-XRF SDDs and three other conventional methods. Performance rates are reported for each technique alone and when used together to evaluate optimal combinations and analytical sequences. Due to high discrimination and classification abilities, it is recommended that µ-XRF analysis moves to the forefront of the analytical scheme after microscopic examination to optimize turnaround times, costs, and resources. Also, the study utilizes elemental ratio comparison intervals and quantitative similarity metrics that offer complementary information to reduce subjectivity in XRF spectral comparisons. The findings of this study are anticipated to assist forensic laboratories with improved protocols.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":324,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Chemistry","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 100638"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143145517","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Modification of screen-printed electrodes using gold nanostructures for SERS detection of low explosives

IF 2.6 3区医学

Forensic Chemistry Pub Date : 2024-12-21 DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2024.100636

Thinnapong Wongpakdee , Duangjai Nacapricha , Bruce McCord

引用次数: 0

Naked-eye sensor for rapid methamphetamine screening with analyte recovery

IF 2.6 3区医学

Forensic Chemistry Pub Date : 2024-12-12 DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2024.100634

Seiya Awata , Futoshi Kikuchi , Toru Oba

{"title":"Naked-eye sensor for rapid methamphetamine screening with analyte recovery","authors":"Seiya Awata , Futoshi Kikuchi , Toru Oba","doi":"10.1016/j.forc.2024.100634","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forc.2024.100634","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The feasibility of a simple and rapid test to detect trace amounts of methamphetamine (MA) based on host–guest molecular interactions is demonstrated. The macrocyclic host molecule, cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]), encapsulates a single guest molecule of the indicator fluorescent dye, acridine orange (AO). Addition of MA to the mixture shifts the equilibrium by replacing the guest molecule, as reflected by the changes in AO fluorescence. Notably, the colors of 0 and 20 µM MA can be distinguished by the naked eye, and the sensitivity is 135 times higher than that of the conventional Simon’s reagent. Similar fluorescence changes have been observed in the AO•CB[7] assay between 15 and 3 °C in the pH range 6–8 in phosphate buffer. The CB[7] system can detect MA while excluding bulky amines and sugars. However, it is also sensitive to other MA-related compounds such as N-isopropylbenzylamine and dimethylsulfone. MA recovery from the host–guest complex solution was greater than 94 %, allowing more accurate analysis of valuable evidence after this rapid screening. These results indicate that the CB[7] supramolecular system for MA detection has the advantages of operational simplicity, rapidity, high sensitivity, and minimal sample consumption and is suitable for initial drug screening during field analysis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":324,"journal":{"name":"Forensic Chemistry","volume":"42 ","pages":"Article 100634"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143145513","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Spectroscopy and chemometrics for differentiation of sex in human head hair fibers

IF 2.6 3区医学

Forensic Chemistry Pub Date : 2024-12-10 DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2024.100632

Drew Mueller , Alexis Hecker , John V. Goodpaster

引用次数: 0