Collection of amino acids and DNA from fingerprints using hydrogels. Issue 4 (22nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van Helmond, Ward; O'Brien, Vincent; de Jong, Robin; van Esch, Jan; Oldenhof, Sander; de Puit, Marcel
• Is Part Of: Analyst. Volume 143:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 900
• Page End: 905
• Publication Date: 2018-01-22
• Subjects: Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; 543
• DOI: 10.1039/c7an01692a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-2654

Abstract

Abstract : We detail the use of cross-linkable solutions of dextran-methacrylate to form hydrogels capable of collecting amino acids and DNA from fingerprints, while allowing for their increased visualisation at a later stage. Abstract : The amino acid profile obtained from a fingerprint may provide valuable information on its donor. For forensic scientists, recovering evidence relating to the amino acid profile of a suspect can potentially be valuable for identification and exclusion purposes. Herein we detail the use of cross-linkable solutions of dextran-methacrylate to form hydrogels capable of collecting amino acids from surfaces followed by extraction and quantification with UPLC-MS. This method allows for the amino acid profile analysis of fingerprints while allowing for their increased visualisation at a later stage using the standard method of cyanoacrylation. We will demonstrate this method to also be capable of collecting DNA from fingerprints with a 20–60% yield in comparison to using a conventional cotton swab.