MALDI-MSI
Definition
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry imaging; a technique that maps the spatial distribution of chemical compounds across a fingerprint surface without dissolving or chemically developing the print, used in age-estimation and composition analysis research.
- Full name
- MALDI mass spectrometry imaging
- Function
- Maps spatial distribution of compounds on a surface
- Applied to
- Fingerprint composition and age-estimation research
- Advantage
- No dissolving or chemical development required
Common questions
How does MALDI-MSI differ from standard chemical fingerprint development methods?+
Conventional methods like ninhydrin or DFO chemically react with print residue and can consume or alter the sample, while MALDI-MSI analyses the surface directly and non-destructively, preserving the print for further examination.
What forensic question is MALDI-MSI research on fingerprints trying to answer?+
Researchers are exploring whether the spatial pattern and chemical composition of print residue, which changes over time, can help estimate how long ago a print was deposited, though this remains a research application rather than routine casework.
Related terms
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- Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT)
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