In firearm forensic investigations, detecting gunshot residue (GSR) is crucial for linking firearms to suspects and determining firing distance for forensic reconstruction. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF-MS) is emerging as a versatile and promising technological platform for fingerprint analysis. The capability of functionalized particles as an advanced dusting powder for visualizing latent fingerprints is widely recognized. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of employing functionalized magnetic fingerprint dusting powders for distinguishing regular and GSR fingerprints using MALDI-ToF-MS, thereby enhancing forensic evidentiary support. In this study, silica and carbon coated magnetic iron oxide particles were surface functionalized with phenyltriethoxy orthosilicate (PTEOS) or 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) to create hydrophobic and hydrophilic particles, respectively. Donor shooters’ fingerprints, both GSR-containing and regular, were analyzed using these functionalized particles coupled with MALDI-ToF-MS. The results demonstrated effective fingerprint visualization and conclusive discrimination between GSR-containing and regular fingerprints through orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. This technique provides enhanced sensitivity, speed, and adaptability compared to conventional methods, making it a promising choice for initial detection of GSR in latent fingerprints. Moreover, when subjected to thorough analysis using advanced instruments, it has the potential to significantly strengthen the probative value of fingerprint evidence in forensic investigations.

中文翻译：

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通过功能化粒子耦合基质辅助激光解吸/电离质谱技术探索指纹中的枪击残留物检测


在枪支法医调查中，检测枪击残留物 （GSR） 对于将枪支与嫌疑人联系起来并确定射击距离以进行法医重建至关重要。基质辅助激光解吸/电离飞行时间质谱 （MALDI-ToF-MS） 正在成为一种多功能且前景广阔的指纹图谱分析技术平台。功能化颗粒作为一种先进的除尘粉末，用于可视化潜在的指纹的能力已得到广泛认可。本研究旨在探讨使用 MALDI-ToF-MS 使用功能化磁性指纹除尘粉末区分常规指纹和 GSR 指纹的可行性，从而增强法医证据支持。在本研究中，二氧化硅和碳涂层磁性氧化铁颗粒用苯基三乙氧基原硅酸盐 （PTEOS） 或 3-氨丙基三乙氧基硅烷 （APTES） 进行表面功能化，分别产生疏水性和亲水性颗粒。使用这些功能化颗粒与 MALDI-ToF-MS 联用分析供体射手的指纹，包括含 GSR 的和常规的指纹。结果表明，通过正交偏最小二乘判别分析，有效的指纹可视化和含 GSR 的指纹与常规指纹之间的决定性区分。与传统方法相比，该技术提供了更高的灵敏度、速度和适应性，使其成为初始检测潜在指纹中 GSR 的有前途的选择。此外，当使用先进仪器进行全面分析时，它有可能显着加强指纹证据在法医调查中的证明价值。