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Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Extraction of Non-Protein Amino Acids from Cyanobacteria for Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis
Published on: December 9, 2022
Forensic analysis of water-based lubricants using liquid extraction surface analysis high-resolution tandem mass
Shiona Hood1, Tony Peter1, Stephen J Blanksby2
1Forensic Chemistry Department, Qld Health Forensic and Scientific Services, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD, AUSTRALIA, 4108.
Rationale:
Analysis of water-based personal lubricants can provide pivotal information to law enforcement regarding sexual assault allegations, particularly in the absence of biological evidence. Traditional methodology for the extraction and analysis of water-based lubricants is cumbersome, time-consuming, and is often not sufficiently selective or sensitive to fully characterise the wide range of chemical components present within complex formulations.
Methods:
Liquid extraction surface analysis (LESA) was deployed in combination with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) to screen a range of water-based lubricants directly from contaminated cotton fabric. Rehydration of the fabric was the only sample preparation required.
Results:
Analysis of ten different water-based lubricants by nano-electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry in negative ion mode enabled discrimination based on the presence or absence of nine compounds, which were identified by comparison of their MS/MS spectra with those of available standards. Lubricants were successfully detected by LESA from stained fabric surfaces; even following extended periods of time between deposition and sampling.
Conclusions:
A library encompassing the common components of water-based lubricants has been established using HRMS and tandem mass spectrometry to enable identification of personal lubricant formulations and differentiation between suppliers.
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