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Updated: May 13, 2026

Imaging of Biological Tissues by Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: July 12, 2013
Forensic applications of desorption electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (DESI-MS)
Marie Morelato1, Alison Beavis, Paul Kirkbride
1Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia. marie.morelato@gmail.com
Abstract:
Desorption electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) is an emerging analytical technique that enables in situ mass spectrometric analysis of specimens under ambient conditions. It has been successfully applied to a large range of forensically relevant materials. This review assesses and highlights forensic applications of DESI-MS including the analysis and detection of illicit drugs, explosives, chemical warfare agents, inks and documents, fingermarks, gunshot residues and drugs of abuse in urine and plasma specimens. The minimal specimen preparation required for analysis and the sensitivity of detection achieved offer great advantages, especially in the field of forensic science.
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