Ohio University’s Chemistry & Biochemistry Colloquium Series presents Dr. Igor Lednev on “Vibrational Spectroscopy: Recent Developments to Revolutionize Forensic Science” on Monday, Nov. 13, at 4:10 p.m. in Clippinger Laboratories 194.
Igor Lednev
Lednev is Professor in the Department of Chemistry at University at Albany – SUNY.
Abstract: Vibrational spectroscopy is known to be the most selective spectroscopic technique. It is non-destructive, rapid and requires little or no sample preparation. Furthermore, portable Raman and FTIR instruments are readily available allowing for crime scene accessibility. We have recently demonstrated that Raman microspectroscopy can be used for the identification of biological stains at a crime scene indicating the type of body fluid. In addition, peripheral and menstrual blood as well as human and animal blood can be differentiated. Most recently, we reported on phenotype profiling based on Raman spectroscopy of biological stains including sex and race differentiation.
We also reported on a great potential of Raman and ATR FTIR microscopy for the detection and characterization of gunshot residue (GSR). Both organic and inorganic GSR particles were detected on an adhesive tape. The ability to differentiate GSR particles originated from different firearm-ammunition combinations was demonstrated. We envision a realistic possibility for the exclusion of a particular firearm-ammunition combination as generating a crime scene GSR sample using the developed approach. The ultimate long-term goal of this project is to develop a novel, non-destructive, easy-to-use, rapid and infield technique for the detection and characterization of GSR.
We conduct our research for over ten years in close collaboration with the NY State Police Crime Laboratory, who guided our work towards the practical needs. The study is supported by the by the National Institute of Justice, Department of Justice through research grants and Student Fellowships. As a result, about sixty peer reviewed articles and book chapters are published; two patents are issued and three patent applications are pending. The Defense Forensic Science Center has also supported this effort by providing instrumentation and research support to help advance this technology and build this new capability.
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