Recent advances in the application of CE to forensic sciences: A update over years 2007–2009

Abstract

This article reviews and comments the applications of CE to forensic sciences covering the short period from 2007 until the first months of 2009, being the latest update of two previous review papers covering the years from 2001 to 2004 and from 2005 to 2007. The overview includes the most relevant examples of analytical applications of capillary electrophoretic and electrokinetic techniques in the following fields: (i) illicit and abused drugs, (ii) small ions of forensic interest (iii) proteins and peptides, (iv) forensic deoxyribonucleic acid, (v) dyes and inks. As many as 69 references are quoted.

Development and validation of I-DNA1: a 15-Loci multiplex system for identity testing

“…The usual procedure is to analyse amplicons marked with a DNA genetic analyser [26]. However, here, DHPLC technology was used to assess the intensity of amplicons and check that there were no non-specific amplifications.…”

Determination of inorganic ions in mineral water by gradient elution moving boundary electrophoresis

“…Separating and monitoring inorganic ions are extremely important, with applications in many fields including: environmental [1,2], pharmaceutical [3,4], forensics [5,6], and defense, such as identifying the chemicals used in improvised explosive devices [7,8]. Conventional analytical methods for inorganic ion and speciation analysis include HPLC, ion chromatography (IC), atomic absorption spectrometry, atomic emission spectroscopy, and ICP-MS [9].…”

In-line solid-phase extraction–capillary electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry for determination of drugs of abuse in human urine

“…Since the development of electrospray ionization (ESI), in which ionized molecules can be efficiently transferred from a liquid to the gas phase, MS has become a valuable tool as detection system for CE, in particular for doping control and forensic screening [7,11]. However, when MS is used as detection system some variables have to be taken into account to guarantee the good performance of the hyphenated system.…”

“…Nevertheless, sample preparation steps are normally performed off-line and manipulation could be a problem when low sample volumes and low analyte concentrations are analyzed [10]. Moreover, the lack of sensitivity in CE is an important issue regarding application in forensic, toxicological, and doping analysis [11]. To reach low limits of detection in such complex matrices is possible by combination of an effective preconcentration technique with a highly sensitive detection system [12].…”