In depth investigation of the capabilities and limitations of combined proteomic-MALDI MS based approach for the forensic detection of blood

For the past 7 years, Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (MALDI MS) based methods have been developed and published for the forensic detection of blood in stains and fingermarks. However, in the view of adoption in an operational context, further investigation into the capabilities and limitations of this approach must be conducted. The refinement and testing of this approach must also be tailored to the requirements of the end users, enabling them to address the specific circumstances most encountered in a forensic scenario. The present study delves deeper into the assessment of the applicability of MALDI MS based strategy for the reliable and robust detection of human blood through: (i) a semi-qualitative assessment of the sensitivity of the method, (ii) a wider investigation of the compatibility of the method with the prior application of commonly used presumptive tests and (iii) assessment of the specificity of the method (when blood is present in mixture with other biofluids) and of its robustness, by assessing blood detection from a range of porous materials. The findings strengthen the evidence supporting the adoption of MALDI MS based approaches as a confirmatory test for the forensic detection of human blood in an operational context.     

生物质谱技术在法医遗传学中的应用展望

随着基质辅助激光解吸电离质谱 (MALDI MS)和电喷雾离子化质谱 (ESI MS)两种技术的迅速发展 ,生物质谱技术已经成为生命科学研究中的重要工具。由于直接检测分子的质量 ,质谱技术同其他方法相比更加准确。生物质谱技术在核酸序列分析中具有快速性、微量化、和高通量的特点。利用MALDI TOF MS技术可以分析降解检材的SNP遗传标记 ,这在法医学中将有着重要的意义。本文对生物质谱技术的原理、进展、面临的困难以及在法医遗传学中的应用前景作了评述