The Bioanalytical Sciences Research Group which incorporates The Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging (CMSI) has an international reputation for the quality of its research. Led by Prof. Simona Francese, we carry out research in the following areas.
Mass spectrometry imaging
Mass spectrometry (MSI) is a bioanalytical technique that can be used to study the distribution of both endogenous and xenobiotic compounds in biological tissue. In the most commonly used variant of this technique, a laser is used to sample the surface of the tissue and images are generated that contain information about both the amount of material present and its spatial distribution. If you would like to learn more please read our Beginner’s Guide to Mass Spectrometry Imaging in The Biochemist
Our research is concerned with both the fundamental aspects of the technique and its application. A number of our projects are concerned with imaging the distribution of xenobiotics in biological tissue and measuring toxico/pharmacodynamic responses to exposure/treatment within in it.
Current projects are being supported by Innovate UK, Innovenn UK Ltd, Astra-Zeneca, Croda, The June Hancock Fund and DSTL.
Analysis of latent fingermarks
Identification of suspects via fingermark analysis is one of the mainstays of forensic science. Conventionally adopted techniques to enhance, recover and analyse crime scene fingermarks ultimately lead to an image of the fingermark ridge pattern which is then inputted in the police database for comparison and suspect identification. However there are a number of scenarios in which the desired output cannot be achieved, such as when
- the suspect has not been previously convicted, therefore the fingerprint will not be present in the database
- the crime scene fingermark is heavily smudged or distorted with scarce possibility of obtaining a clear ridge pattern image to compare
When choosing a successful fingerprinting technique, many factors must be taken into account, such as
- the components present in the fingermarks – which will change over time
- the environmental conditions the fingermark was exposed to
- the surface of deposition
We use MALDI-MSI to produce multiple images of the same recovered fingermark to generate a high-quality image to input in the police database by overlaying multiple images or selecting the best quality one. At the same time, chemical information is generated which could provide important investigative leads when the fingermark comparison is unavailable. This information can include the detection of both endogenous compounds normally found in fingermarks and exogenous contaminants, for example drugs, explosives and condom lubricants.
The research is supported by the Home Office and DSTL
Studies in this area are led by Prof Simona Francese
