Proteomic analysis of decedent scalp hair segments exhibiting a postmortem hair root band

Use of micro, capillary, and nano liquid chromatography for forensic analysis

“…Detecting and characterizing proteins in hair is an excellent complement and/or alternative to mitochondrial DNA analysis for forensic casework, and methods applying micro-LC, CAPILLARY-LC, and nano-LC to hair protein analysis have been established [19][20][21][22][23][24]. In this regard, micro-LC, CAPILLARY-LC, and nano-LC has demonstrated the ability to provide excellent separation efficiency and low LODs, advantages that will be highly sought after in forensic studies.…”

“…Specific hair proteins affected by post-mortem root banding (PMRB) were characterized by Donfack et al with nano-LC [20]. A Thermo Scientific Easy nano-LC 1000 was interfaced to a Thermo Scientific LTQ Velos Orbitrap Elite MS. A PepMap C18 column, 500 mm × 75 μm id was selected, and separations were performed at 250 nL/min employing reverse phase chromatography.…”

“…A Thermo Scientific Easy nano-LC 1000 was interfaced to a Thermo Scientific LTQ Velos Orbitrap Elite MS. A PepMap C18 column, 500 mm × 75 μm id was selected, and separations were performed at 250 nL/min employing reverse phase chromatography. It was noted that large amounts of hair are traditionally used for protein/peptide profiling (2-40 mg or 40-800 cm), but the nano-LC-MS/MS unit was employed to analyze small segments of hair (∼200-400 μm) [20]. In forensic homicide cases, it is critical to determine whether the donor was alive or deceased at the time the collected hair evidence was transferred from the person to the crime scene.…”

“…In forensic homicide cases, it is critical to determine whether the donor was alive or deceased at the time the collected hair evidence was transferred from the person to the crime scene. Answering this question can depend on the growth and decomposition stage of the hair [20]. Furthermore, better understanding the mechanisms of the formation of a post-mortem root banding might help forensic examiners testify in court and improve the scientific interpretations surrounding the decomposition of human head hair roots [20].…”

“…Answering this question can depend on the growth and decomposition stage of the hair [20]. Furthermore, better understanding the mechanisms of the formation of a post-mortem root banding might help forensic examiners testify in court and improve the scientific interpretations surrounding the decomposition of human head hair roots [20]. The methodology presented here is also applicable to forensic cases of limited sample size (i.e., smaller segments of hair).…”