Development and validation of AccuTOF-DART™ as a screening method for analysis of bank security device and pepper spray components

Allison M Pfaff; Robert R Steiner

doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.06.018

Development and validation of AccuTOF-DART™ as a screening method for analysis of bank security device and pepper spray components

Forensic Sci Int. 2011 Mar 20;206(1-3):62-70. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.06.018.

Authors

Allison M Pfaff¹, Robert R Steiner

Affiliation

¹ Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, United States.

PMID: 20643521
DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.06.018

Abstract

Analysis of bank security devices, containing 1-methylaminoanthraquinone (MAAQ) and o-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS), and pepper sprays, containing capsaicin, is a lengthy process with no specific screening technique to aid in identifying samples of interest. Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART™) ionization coupled with an Accurate Time of Flight (AccuTOF) mass detector is a fast, ambient ionization source that could significantly reduce time spent on these cases and increase the specificity of the screening process. A new method for screening clothing for bank dye and pepper spray, using AccuTOF-DART™ analysis, has been developed. Detection of MAAQ, CS, and capsaicin was achieved via extraction of each compound onto cardstock paper, which was then sampled in the AccuTOF-DART™. All results were verified using gas chromatography coupled with electron impact mass spectrometry.