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Bioassays for bomb-makers: proof of concept
Suzanne C Bell1, Melissa Gayton-Ely, Corey M Nida
1Forensic Science & Chemistry, West Virginia University, 1600 University Avenue, Oglebay Hall, Room 208, Box 6121, Morgantown, WV 26506-6121, USA. Suzanne.Bell@mail.wvu.edu
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|June 2, 2009
Summary
Forensic science can identify explosives exposure by detecting unique biomarkers. This study developed an in vitro method to simulate human metabolism of nitro-explosives, identifying key biomarkers for investigative purposes.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Clandestine bomb-makers face significant exposure to explosives.
- Explosives undergo biotransformation in the body, potentially forming detectable biomarkers.
- Understanding biomarker toxicokinetics and fate is crucial for forensic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an in vitro method simulating human metabolic transformations of explosives.
- To identify characteristic biomarkers for explosives exposure in forensic investigations.
- To analyze nitro-explosives like TNT, RDX, HMX, and tetryl.
Main Methods:
- Utilized human liver microsomes for in vitro metabolic simulation.
- Employed high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS).
- Analyzed control and metabolized samples of TNT, RDX, HMX, and tetryl.
Main Results:
- Successfully identified specific biomarkers for each tested nitro-explosive.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of simulating metabolic transformations for biomarker discovery.
- Highlighted challenges including sample solubility and mass spectrometry ionization.
Conclusions:
- The developed in vitro method is effective for identifying explosives biomarkers.
- Biomarker analysis holds significant potential for forensic and investigative purposes.
- Further research is needed to overcome analytical challenges for broader application.
