Development of a GC-MS Method for the Simultaneous Analysis of Latent Fingerprint Components

Croxton, Ruth S.; Baron, Mark G.; Butler, David; Kent, Terry; Sears, Vaughn G.

Abstract

Latent fingerprint residue is a complex mixture of organic and inorganic compounds. A full understanding of the composition of this mixture and how it changes after deposition is lacking. Three solvent systems were compared for the simultaneous extraction and derivatization with ethyl chloroformate of selected amino and fatty acids from a nonporous substrate (Mylars) for subsequent analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A solvent system comprised of sodium hydroxide, ethanol, and pyridine was found to be the most effective. This method was applied to the analysis of latent fingerprint residue deposited on Mylars and preliminary data are presented. Twelve amino acids (e.g., serine, glycine, and aspartic acid) and 10 fatty acids (e.g., tetradecanoic, hexadecanoic, and octadecanoic acids) were identified. The potential application of this method to further the understanding of latent fingerprint chemistry has been demonstrated.

Citation

Croxton, R. S., Baron, M. G., Butler, D., Kent, T., & Sears, V. G. (2006). Development of a GC-MS Method for the Simultaneous Analysis of Latent Fingerprint Components. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 51(6), 1329-1333. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2006.00203.x

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 14, 2006
• Online Publication Date: Oct 30, 2006
• Publication Date: 2006-11
• Deposit Date: Dec 18, 2019
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences
• Print ISSN: 0022-1198
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 51
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 1329-1333
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2006.00203.x
• Keywords: Forensic science; Latent fingerprints; Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; Ethyl chloroformate; Latent fingerprint components; Amino acids; Fatty acids
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3316461
• Publisher URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2006.00203.x