A multi-modal mass spectrometry approach for the detection and mapping of date rape drugs in fingermarks

Although drug facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) is an old issue, current statistics on the frequency of this crime have led to growing concerns. As these drugs are metabolised very quickly, toxicological evidence from biological fluids, corroborating the victim's statement, is challenging to recover, especially with late reports. We are proposing an additional method involving the analysis of the victim's fingermarks recovered at the scene(s) of the crime, which may contain the parent drug and its metabolite. As a case study, a multi-modal mass spectrometry-based approach has been developed and explored to detect and image both risperidone and its pharmacologically active metabolite, paliperidone, after contamination of a fingertip at very low concentrations and deposition of a fingerprint on a surface. In particular Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MALDI MSI), Desorption Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry Imaging (DESI MSI) and Soft Ionisation by Chemical Reaction In Transfer, (SICRIT®) have been used in different combinations to both detect the drugs and reconstruct the fingerprint ridge pattern; this approach enables the simultaneous provision of both chemical information (circumstances surrounding the crime) and biometric information. A forensic operational scenario has also been simulated whereby the contaminated fingerprint is deposited on paper and enhanced with a routine fingerprint enhancement technique prior to analysis <i>via</i> mass spectrometry imaging. Overall, our investigation indicates that this additional approach is feasible and is worth exploring further.