Sensing of Gunshot Residue components from real sample using Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Gunshot residue (GSR) detection is crucial in forensic investigations.
• Existing methods for GSR analysis can be time-consuming and require specialized equipment.
• Development of rapid and sensitive detection methods for GSR components is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) based sensing method for detecting key gunshot residue (GSR) components.
• To utilize a FRET pair of Acf (donor) and RhB (acceptor) for sensing GSR.
• To investigate the use of inorganic clay dispersion (laponite) for enhancing sensor sensitivity.

Main Methods:

• A FRET pair using Acf (donor) and RhB (acceptor) was employed.
• Standard GSR solutions were prepared using lead, antimony, and barium salts.
• FRET efficiency was measured in the presence of GSR components (Pb+2, Ba+2, Sb+3) in aqueous solutions.
• Inorganic clay dispersion (laponite) was used to amplify FRET efficiency.

Main Results:

• A systematic decrease in FRET efficiency was observed in the presence of GSR components.
• The addition of laponite significantly enhanced the FRET efficiency, improving sensor sensitivity.
• The sensor demonstrated utility in quantifying GSR component concentrations in both standard and real samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed FRET-based sensor effectively detects GSR components.
• The sensor offers enhanced sensitivity through the use of laponite for FRET efficiency amplification.
• This method provides a promising approach for the quantification of GSR in forensic analysis.