Fingerprint analysis using mass spectrometry
AssigneeUniversity of Sunderland
InventorsFrederick John Rowell, Brendan John Theaker
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to a method for determining the presence of a residue on or within a fingerprint using matrix-assisted mass spectrometric techniques. The matrix-assisted mass spectrometric technique can be selected from Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and/or Surface Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (SALDI-TOF-MS).
Claims32
A method of determining the presence of a residue within a fingerprint, comprising the step of:
- (a) using a matrix-assisted mass spectrometry technique to determine the presence of the residue within the fingerprint.
A method of determining the presence of a residue within a fingerprint, comprising the step of:
- (a) using a matrix-assisted mass spectrometry technique to determine the presence of the residue within the fingerprint,
- wherein the matrix-assisted mass spectrometry technique comprises one of MALDI-TOF-MS and SALDI-TOF-MS;
- (b) forming a particulate-applied fingerprint by applying particulate matter to the fingerprint that is configured to (i) act as a matrix in the matrix-assisted mass spectrometry technique and (ii) aid at least one of detection and imaging of the fingerprint;
- and
- (c) subjecting material forming the particulate-applied fingerprint to mass spectrometry to detect one of the presence and absence of the residue.
A method of fingerprint analysis, comprising the step of:
- a.) determining presence of a residue within a fingerprint by using a matrix-assisted mass spectrometry technique,
- wherein the matrix-assisted mass spectrometry technique comprises one of MALDI-TOF-MS and SALDI-TOF-MS.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.