Using mass spectrometry to transform the assessment of sexual assault evidence

• Published in: Forensic chemistry 2020-08, Vol.20, p.100262, Article 100262
• Main Authors: Rankin-Turner, Stephanie, Kelly, Paul F., King, Roberto S.P., Reynolds, James C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ambient ionization; Analytical methods; Body fluids; Forensic chemistry; Mass spectrometry; Surface analysis
• ISSN: 2468-1709; 2468-1709
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2020.100262

[Display omitted] •A new technique for the rapid in situ analysis of sexual assault evidence.•An analysis time of less than 10 s per sample with no sample preparation.•Successful semen detection on multiple substrate materials over 40 days.•Differentiation of different condom brands based on different chemical profiles. The time-consuming analysis of sexual assault evidence creates a challenging bottleneck in forensic investigations. Common techniques for semen analysis result in sample destruction, and there are currently no confirmatory techniques for the preparation-free or in situ analysis of semen. In all, there is a crucial requirement for the development of faster direct analytical techniques. In this study, the first use of ambient ionisation mass spectrometry for the forensic analysis of human semen has been demonstrated. Sheath-flow probe electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (sfPESI-MS) was applied to the analysis of semen for the purpose of rapid body fluid identification, in addition to determining the effects of sample age on detection. Fresh and aged semen were readily detected from numerous surfaces, with a preparation-free analysis time of