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Multidimensional Raman Spectroscopic Signature of Sweat and its Potential Application to Forensic Body Fluid Identification

NCJ Number
300613
Journal
Analytica Chimica Acta Volume: 718 Dated: 2012 Pages: 78-83
Author(s)
Vitali Sikirzhytski; Aliaksandra Sikirzhytskaya; Igor K. Lednev
Date Published
2012
Length
6 pages
Annotation

This proof-of-concept study demonstrated the potential of Raman microspectroscopy for nondestructive identification of traces of sweat for forensic purposes.

Abstract

Advanced statistical analysis of Raman spectra revealed that dry sweat was intrinsically heterogeneous, and its biochemical composition varies significantly with the donor. As a result, no single Raman spectrum could adequately represent sweat traces. Instead, a multidimensional spectroscopic signature of sweat was built that allowed for the presentation of any single experimental spectrum as a linear combination of two fluorescent backgrounds and three Raman spectral components dominated by the contribution from lactate, lactic acid, urea, and single amino acids. (Publisher Abstract Modified)