Microbial forensics: a qualitative analysis of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) on bioagent identification/characterization & its potential role in the attribution process of bioterrorist attacks
Microbial forensics: a qualitative analysis of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) on bioagent identification/characterization & its potential role in the attribution process of bioterrorist attacks
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Issue Date
2009
Authors
Vargas-Fields, Cynthia
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Abstract
Reviewing scientific literature, a qualitative analysis was performed on the capability of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) Analysis to accurately identify bioagents, link these bioagents to their source, as well as the potential for admissibility as scientific evidence in a court of law. After extrapolating data from 40 scientific journal articles, it was concluded this method would indeed be capable of identifying bioagents (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins), and in ideal settings, even possibly link bioagents to their source to positively link a suspect to a bioterrorist attack. However, results of this method would face serious challenges in a court of law due to the lack of standards in methodology and may not be admissible.
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Forensic science