Emerging Technologies: Use of Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Mass Spectrometry for the Analysis of Fingermark and Blood Evidence

Abstract

For over a decade, a considerable body of knowledge has been built, demonstrating both the versatility and operational feasibility of Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (MALDI MS) for the analysis of fingermarks (molecular fingerprinting). Originally developed for the analysis of biological tissues, this technology, applied to fingermarks, has evolved for the provision of both chemical intelligence (in profiling modality) and biometric information, through the reconstruction of the ridge pattern (in imaging modality). Several applications have been developed linking the biometric and contextual information by visualising the presence of forensically interesting molecules directly onto the identifying ridge pattern. Furthermore, the compatibility between MALDI MS-based approaches and several fingermark enhancement techniques, as well as sequential processes has been demonstrated. The recognition of this technique as category B in the Home Office/Dstl Fingermark Visualisation Manual, along with its deployment in some police/forensic provider casework, makes MALDI MS an emerging technique moving towards full operational deployment, albeit additional validation and identification of sustainability models are still pending. This chapter describes the applications, the operational capabilities and the limitations of MALDI MS for molecular fingerprinting.