Journal of Chromatography & Separation Techniques
Open Access

Application of mass spectrometry to forensic serology for human body fluid identification

International Summit on Current Trends in Mass Spectrometry

July 13-15, 2015 New Orleans, USA

Phillip B Danielson1, 2, Heather McKiernan2 and Kevin M Legg2

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Chromatogr Sep Tech

Abstract :

While DNA profiling makes it possible to individualize biological stains, the unambiguous identification of the stain itself has long presented forensic serologists with a significant challenge. Current antibody and enzyme activity based assays used by forensic practitioners for biological stain identification yield only presumptive results. Positive results with non-target body, false positive results and cross-reactivity with non-human sources have all been well documented. Some tests consume unacceptable quantities of precious evidence while for other body fluids of forensic significance (e.g., vaginal fluid and menstrual blood) there are no commercial options available. These factors reduce the ability of investigators to maximize the probative potential of crime scene evidence and limit what analysts can say in court. Using proteomics-based characterization technologies, the proteomes for six human body fluids (peripheral and menstrual blood, vaginal fluid, semen, urine and saliva) have been mapped and characterized. Based on these analyses, over 30 proteins were identified as candidate high-specificity biomarkers of individual human body fluids. These candidate biomarkers included both previously described proteins such as Statherin for saliva identification, as well as many novel biomarkers such as Cornulin for vaginal fluid identification. Validation studies performed to date confirm the specificity of these biomarkers for their target body fluid and the consistency with which they can be detected across a broader human sample population. The results of these studies have identified a robust panel of confirmatory protein markers for human body fluid identification. Subsequent research and development efforts have employed targeted-ion mass spectrometry so as to leverage significant advances in proteomic technology to produce a multiplex assay suitable for the needs of forensic practitioners. A <15-minute prototype assay has been developed on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer which processes single- and mixed-source casework-type samples (e.g., recovered from a variety of substrates and/or subjected to chemical/environmental insult) while preserving the DNA component. This offers significant advantages over existing methods; it is well suited to automated batch processing and automated data analysis while providing confirmatory stain characterization.