Direct Analyte‐Probed Nanoextraction Coupled to Nanospray Ionization–Mass Spectrometry of Drug Residues from Latent Fingerprints

Abstract

Here, we present a method of extracting drug residues from fingerprints via Direct Analyte-Probed Nanoextraction coupled to nanospray ionization-mass spectrometry (DAPNe-NSI-MS). This instrumental technique provides higher selectivity and lower detection limits over current methods, greatly reducing sample preparation, and does not compromise the integrity of latent fingerprints. This coupled to Raman microscopy is an advantageous supplement for location and identification of trace particles. DAPNe uses a nanomanipulator for extraction and differing microscopies for localization of chemicals of interest. A capillary tip with solvent of choice is placed in a nanopositioner. The surface to be analyzed is placed under a microscope, and a particle of interest is located. Using a pressure injector, the solvent is injected onto the surface where it dissolves the analyte, and then extracted back into the capillary tip. The solution is then directly analyzed via NSI-MS. Analyses of caffeine, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and ecstasy have been performed successfully.

Nanomanipulation-Coupled Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/ Ionization-Direct Organelle Mass Spectrometry: A Technique for the Detailed Analysis of Single Organelles

“…We have developed a nanomanipulation workstation capable of collecting trace particles [10][11][12][13], single cells, and subcellular organelles [5,14,15]. The workstation can be equipped with up to four piezoelectric nanopositioners capable of simultaneously utilizing different end effectors, including microgrippers, nanospray emitters, and microelectrodes that perform low impedance electrical characterizations.…”

“…Recently, we have shown that the nanomanipulator can be used as a surface-probing technique, direct analyte-probed nanoextraction (DAPNe), to extract drug residue from latent fingerprints [10], individual fibers [13], and trace explosive materials [12], in combination with direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) [11]. DAPNe has also been utilized for the analysis of document inks, demonstrating the ability to characterize the chemistry of both antique and modern documents without interfering with the integrity of the document [17].…”

Trace analysis of energetic materials via direct analyte-probed nanoextraction coupled to direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry

“…Direct analyte-probed nanoextraction (DAPNe) manages to alleviate the primary issues that arise with other sampling methods, including matrix effects and sample destruction [30][31][32]. Traditionally coupled to nanospray ionization-mass spectrometry (NSI-MS), this technique has displayed its value in trace analysis with extraction of illicit drugs from fibers [30], electrostatic lifts [31], and within fingerprints [32].…”

“…Traditionally coupled to nanospray ionization-mass spectrometry (NSI-MS), this technique has displayed its value in trace analysis with extraction of illicit drugs from fibers [30], electrostatic lifts [31], and within fingerprints [32]. Using a nanomanipulator mounted to the stage of a bright-field microscope, a capillary tip with a conductive coating can be directed to a particle of interest with 5 nm translational resolution [30].…”

“…As such, DAPNe-NSI-MS can mitigate the aforementioned specificity issues seen with other ambient techniques. Additionally, this method is minimally invasive and leaves latent fingerprints virtually unperturbed, allowing the prints to be preserved for identification purposes [32]. However, NSI-MS is not a common installment in forensic laboratories.…”