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Development of fluorescent markers using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with vaseline
Shoji Kurata1, Haruo Hirano, Masatoshi Nagai
1Criminal Investigation Laboratory, Metropolitan Police Department, Tokyo, Japan.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|March 23, 2002
Summary
Researchers developed fluorescent markers using six compounds in vaseline for tracking suspects. Perylene and fluoranthene were easily detected under UV light, offering sensitive and selective identification.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Development of novel fluorescent markers for forensic applications.
- Utilizing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as traceable compounds.
Observation:
- Six PAHs (phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, perylene, coronene) were incorporated into a vaseline carrier.
- Perylene and fluoranthene exhibited strong fluorescence under ultraviolet (UV) light at 365 nm.
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescence detector enabled selective and sensitive detection of all six compounds without vaseline interference.
Findings:
- Detection limits were below 1 nanogram (ng), comparable to direct UV observation.
- The presence of vaseline enhanced the degradation delay of the fluorescent markers compared to individual compounds.
- Successful application demonstrated through case examples.
Implications:
- Provides a robust method for developing traceable forensic markers.
- Enhances the capabilities of forensic investigations through sensitive detection techniques.
- Highlights the potential of PAH-vaseline formulations for long-term tracking applications.