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MALDI Mass Spectrometry Profiling and Imaging Applied to the Analysis of Latent Fingermarks

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Imaging Mass Spectrometry

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 1618))

Abstract

Latent fingermarks are derived from a transfer of material from the fingertips to a surface upon contact. Traditionally, fingermarks are employed for biometric identification of individuals based on matching of the pattern of the ridges. However, in recent years, there has been a stark increase in the use of advanced analytical techniques in order to obtain additional information, specifically the chemical composition of the residue. Understanding the complexity of the endogenous and exogenous content of fingermarks could be extremely useful in allowing further development of enhancement techniques currently used in forensic scenarios by identifying potential target molecules. This chemical information could also potentially provide invaluable information on the lifestyle of an individual, including their activities prior to depositing a mark.

An analytical tool that has gained notable popularity in this novel area of research is matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry (MALDI MS). This technique can either be employed for rapid chemical profiling or imaging of fingermarks to detect chemical species contained within the residue, with the latter also allowing for physical reconstruction of the fingermark ridges.

This chapter will provide an overview of the protocols employed to allow for both MALDI MS profiling and imaging analysis of latent fingermarks, specifically covering the types of fingermarks employed and techniques used to deposit matrices onto samples.

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Acknowledgments

The author of this chapter would like to thank the Head of the Fingermark Research Group (FRG), Dr Simona Francese, who has supervised every aspect of the fingermark research conducted at Sheffield Hallam University since the initial development of this application in 2008.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging, Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard St., Sheffield, S1 1WB, UK

    Robert Bradshaw

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  1. Robert Bradshaw
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Correspondence to Robert Bradshaw .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. The Center for Mass Spectrometry Imaging Biomolecular Science Research Center, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom

    Laura M. Cole

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Bradshaw, R. (2017). MALDI Mass Spectrometry Profiling and Imaging Applied to the Analysis of Latent Fingermarks. In: Cole, L. (eds) Imaging Mass Spectrometry . Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1618. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-7051-3_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-7051-3_13

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