Evaluating the Use of Differential Scanning Calorimetry for the Analysis of Illicit Substances and Their Adulterants
Journal Title: Journal of Forensic Investigation - Year 2018, Vol 6, Issue 1
Abstract
Chemical profiling of seized material is a powerful tool used by law enforcement agencies to determine the presence of illicit drugs and their adulterants within a suspect material. This study presents a proof-of-concept for the use of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) for the analysis of illicit drugs. Mixtures of methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), heroin and cocaine with their common adulterants, including paracetamol, caffeine, tetramisole HCl and sugars were submitted for DSC analysis. A range of temperature programs were examined to determine the best conditions for analysis. It was determined that the mixtures showed three distinct levels of differentiation. Level 1 contained mixtures which revealed peaks that did not correlate to any pure substances present, making differentiation difficult. In some cases, however, the combination of peaks was unique, allowing for possible identification of a particular combination of components. Level 2 mixtures revealed peaks which were characteristic of one or more substances present or other distinguishing features, such as decomposition patterns, which may indicate the presence of a substance or group of substances. Level 3 revealed very good differentiation facilitating clear identification of the substances present. Level 2 differentiation was the most common across the analysed mixtures. This screening technique may provide useful information to investigators regarding the analysis of drug seizures, guiding further confirmatory analysis.
Authors and Affiliations
Shanlin Fu
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP539341
- DOI 10.13188/2330-0396.1000041
- Views 107
- Downloads 0
Report on the Accumulated Degree Days and Post Mortem Submersion Interval for an Infant Drowning Accident
A limited number of forensic studies report on the Post Mortem Submersion Interval (PMSI) and the related Accumulated Degree Days (ADD) necessary for a body to resurface after drowning. Some of these studies result from...
Assessment of Tooth Metrics in Gender Determination-A Cross Sectional Study
Gender determination is of prime importance in forensic investigations as it halves the number of possible matches [1]. Teeth are the hardest and most stable tissues in the body. Variations in size, appearance and statur...
Optimal Foraging Theory’s Application to Internet Sex Offender Search Behavior: A Theoretical Model for Computer Forensic Investigations
Previous literature involving Optimal Foraging Theory has largely been focused in the biological sciences with only limited studies examining its affect in a criminal context. Those studies have successfully demonstrated...
Evaluation of Sibling-Ship Analysis in Secluded Lebanese Villages with Increased Mating Patterns
DNA profiling and statistical analysis in kinship studies aim to quantify the potential source of a biological trace or its possible relatedness with another trace. When parentage testing is not possible, another related...
Complex Variability within the THCA and CBDA Synthase Genes in Cannabis SpeciesTM Identity Panel
The genes encoding the enzymes THCA and CBDA synthase, enzymes catalyzing the final biosynthetic steps in the production of the cannabinoids Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), have been...