Volabolomic Fingerprinting for Post-Mortem Interval Estimation: A Novel Physiological Approach.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Biochemistry
• Pathology

Background:

• Cellular and tissue metabolic homeostasis defines the cessation of function during death.
• Decomposition releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs), forming the "volaboloma mortis."
• Accurate estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) remains a challenge in forensics and pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To record the volabolomic fingerprint of human tissue and muscle cell decomposition.
• To analyze the volatile chemical signatures produced during physiological decomposition.
• To explore the utility of volabolomic data for PMI estimation.

Main Methods:

• Real-time recording of VOCs emitted from human tissues and muscle cells.
• Utilized an electronic nose sensor device for continuous sampling.
• Collected data at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours postmortem.

Main Results:

• Continuous sampling of VOCs revealed distinct emission patterns over time.
• VOC distributions showed common behavior initially, becoming dispersed after 48 hours.
• Increased variability in VOC profiles was observed after 72 hours.
• Reconstructed volabolomic fingerprinting correlated with time progression.

Conclusions:

• Volabolomic fingerprinting provides a time-dependent signature of human decomposition.
• This method offers potential for improving postmortem interval estimation.
• Broader applications include cadaver dog training and understanding biological attractants.