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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2025

Fluorescence detection methods for microfluidic droplet platforms

Fluorescence detection methods for microfluidic droplet platforms

Published on: December 10, 2011

Specific fluorescent signatures for body fluid identification using fluorescence spectroscopy.

Nihad Achetib¹, Kim Falkena¹, Meghna Swayambhu^1,2

¹Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Scientific Reports

|February 24, 2023

Summary

Forensic science can now use fluorescence spectroscopy for rapid, on-site body fluid identification. This new method analyzes unique fluorescent signatures of aged samples, improving identification accuracy in investigations.

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Area of Science:

Forensic Science
Analytical Chemistry
Biophysics

Background:

Non-invasive, rapid, on-site body fluid identification is crucial for forensic investigations.
Fluorescence-based methods for body fluid identification are underexplored.
Existing methods may lack the desired speed and on-site applicability.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the fluorescent properties of various body fluids over time.
To identify specific fluorescent signatures for differentiating body fluids.
To evaluate the potential of fluorescence spectroscopy as a forensic tool.

Main Methods:

Samples of semen, serum, urine, saliva, and fingermarks were analyzed using fluorescence spectroscopy.
Excitation was performed across 81 wavelengths (200-600 nm), with emission recorded (220-700 nm).
Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to cluster body fluids based on summed fluorescence intensities.

Main Results:

Distinct fluorescent signatures were observed for different body fluids.
PCA successfully clustered semen, serum, urine, and saliva.
Blind testing demonstrated a 71.4% accuracy rate for identifying unknown samples.
Fingermarks did not cluster distinctly with the tested method.

Conclusions:

The fluorescent behavior of ageing body fluids can be utilized for identification.
Fluorescence spectroscopy offers a novel, non-invasive tool for forensic body fluid detection.
This method has the potential to enhance current forensic guidelines and improve method robustness.