EPSAM

Development of using long-chain hydrocarbons and toxicological substances as tools in forensic science applications

Lead Supervisor:  Dr Falko Drijfhout

Long chain hydrocarbons are often found on the surface of insects and previous studies have revealed that these compounds are species specific. These long-chain hydrocarbons (alkanes and alkenes with 21 – 35 carbon atoms) are referred to as cuticular hydrocarbons. This very species specific cuticular hydrocarbon profile can be therefore used to identify a species.

The focus of the project is on analysis of these long-chain hydrocarbons with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to determine the species specificity of these hydrocarbons, but also to investigate whether these profiles will change significantly as the insects undergoes its development from eggs to adults. In the latter case these hydrocarbons can act as age descriptors within forensic entomology.

Toxicological substances such as drugs of abuse or an overdose can affect the development of insects significantly and possible the hydrocarbon profile. Hence, in the study the emphasis will also be on a possible effect of these toxicological substances (drugs of abuse) from the victim on insect development and if a forensic scientist can use the hydrocarbon profile to determine this effect.

Central to this project is whether analytical methods such as mass spectrometry can be used to reveal biological changes in insects and how these can be used to aid in forensic applications.