Proteomics as a new tool to study fingermark ageing in forensics

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Biochemistry
• Proteomics

Background:

• Fingermarks are vital forensic evidence for personal identification.
• Determining the deposition time of fingermarks is crucial for crime reconstruction but currently lacks robust methods.
• Biomolecular constituents offer potential for fingermark age assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop methodologies for assessing fingermark age using protein analysis.
• To create a protein map of fingermark residue.
• To investigate molecular mechanisms of fingermark aging.

Main Methods:

• High-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomics.
• Differential analysis of fresh and aged fingermarks.
• Assessment of bodily fluid contamination effects on biomarker identification.

Main Results:

• A characteristic fingermark proteome was drafted.
• Five proteins were identified as promising candidates for age estimation.
• Endogenous and contaminant proteins from bodily fluids were successfully identified.

Conclusions:

• State-of-the-art proteomics can monitor fingermark aging at the protein level.
• The method shows selectivity in differentiating age markers from contaminants.
• This approach enhances the forensic utility of fingermarks for age determination.