Restricted Research - Award List, Note/Discussion Page
Fiscal Year: 2023
398 Sam Houston State University (142286)
Principal Investigator: Monjardez, Geraldine I.
Total Amount of Contract, Award, or Gift (Annual before 2011): $ 5,194
Exceeds $250,000 (Is it flagged?): No
Start and End Dates: 10/1/22 - 9/30/23
Restricted Research: YES
Academic Discipline: Criminal Justice
Department, Center, School, or Institute: Department of Criminal Justice
Title of Contract, Award, or Gift: nvestigating the capability of DART-QTOF for the analysis of common homemade explosives
Name of Granting or Contracting Agency/Entity:
Forensic Sciences Foundation
CFDA: n/a
Program Title: n/a
Note:
SAMs 1.1.1: Direct analysis in real time (DART) is an ambient ionization technique that allows for the rapid analysis of samples without the need for extensive sample preparation. DART ionization mechanisms are based on gas-phase reactions of metastable excited-state species, typically helium, and reagent molecules such as atmospheric water, with target analytes. When combined with a quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometer, DART ionization provides the ability to identify pre- and post-blast explosive residues with little to no sample preparation. This technique is desirable from a forensic standpoint, as it satisfies the requirements of being fast, reliable, and highly accurate. DART-QTOF can therefore provide confirmation of the nature of the explosive charge, along with useful additional information including the presence of binders, plasticizers, polymers, oils, and potentially other organic additives and contaminants present in the sample. However, this technique is still relatively novel, especially in the forensics field, and more research needs to be done pertaining to its advantages and limitations for the analysis of pre-and post-blast explosive compounds. The aim of the proposed project is to investigate the use of DART-QTOF in the analysis of homemade explosives in order to improve upon the current analysis workflow and increase the confidence in pre- and post-blast residue identifications. The advantages and limitations of this technique will also be explored.
Discussion: No discussion notes