Portable analytical platforms for forensic chemistry: A review

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Traditional forensic analysis often requires time-consuming laboratory procedures.
• The need for rapid, on-site analysis in forensic investigations is critical for timely law enforcement action.
• Advances in portable instrumentation present opportunities to overcome laboratory limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and critically discuss recent advancements in portable and potentially portable methods for on-site forensic investigations.
• To highlight the application of these methods in (bio)chemical trace analysis outside controlled laboratory settings.
• To assess the potential of these technologies for improving crime scene inquiries and forensic intelligence.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on portable analytical techniques for forensic applications.
• Discussion of electrochemical sensors, microchip electrophoresis, and portable mass spectrometry.
• Examination of handheld Raman, Near-Infrared (NIR) instruments, and paper-based devices for in-field analysis.

Main Results:

• Portable devices demonstrate significant potential for in-field analysis of various forensic targets, including latent evidence, controlled substances, and hazards.
• Techniques like ambient ionization mass spectrometry and handheld spectroscopy enable rapid detection and screening.
• Point-of-need devices, such as paper-based platforms, offer accessible solutions for on-site testing.

Conclusions:

• Portable analytical devices show immense promise for enhancing the efficiency and speed of on-site forensic investigations.
• These technologies can assist law enforcement by providing rapid intelligence and aiding in crime solving.
• Further analytical validation is necessary for portable methods to achieve parity with, or even replace, current gold standard laboratory techniques.