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Preparation and Application of a New Bacterial Biosensor for the Presumptive Detection of Gunshot Residue
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(Re-)positionning forensic research & development for increased impact in gunshot residue examination
Céline Weyermann1, Virginie Redouté Minzière1, Thomas Tilborg1
1Ecoles des Sciences Criminelles, Faculté de droit, des sciences criminelles et d'administration publique, Université de Lausanne, Switzerland.
Forensic Science International
|July 15, 2025
Summary
Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) remains the standard for gunshot residue (GSR) analysis, despite research proposing new methods. Experts favor optimizing current techniques and collecting more data on GSR persistence and transfer.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) has been the gold standard for inorganic gunshot residue (GSR) analysis for over 40 years.
- Despite advancements, novel instrumental analyses proposed in research have struggled to gain acceptance in routine GSR examination.
- A perceived gap exists between GSR research and forensic practice regarding the adoption of new analytical techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the reasons behind the persistent gap between research and practice in the field of gunshot residue (GSR) analysis.
- To understand why novel instrumental analyses proposed in research are not adopted in routine GSR examination.
- To identify barriers and propose solutions for more impactful GSR research and practice.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review of GSR publications over the past 20 years.
- A survey distributed to 45 GSR experts in accredited laboratories.
- A round table discussion held at the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) Expert Working Group (EWG) Firearms / GSR meeting in 2023.
Main Results:
- GSR publications have increased, with 42% focusing on novel methods and 26% on persistence, prevalence, and interpretation in 2022.
- Experts primarily use SEM-EDS for GSR analysis on hands and have limited time for research; they support collecting more data on persistence and transfer.
- Practitioners favor optimizing current methods, while data on persistence and transfer lack harmonization and are indirectly useful for interpretation.
Conclusions:
- Systemic changes, beyond resource allocation, are needed to bridge the gap between GSR research and practice.
- Increased collaboration between practitioners and academics is advocated for impactful GSR research.
- Focus on harmonizing data collection for persistence, prevalence, and secondary transfer is crucial for advancing GSR interpretation.
