Ink compositions differ between batches; MSI can directly image the ink-formulation distribution on the paper surface, assisting in judging document formation time, additions/alterations and authenticity, without large amounts of sampling.
Such applications rely on surface-desorption-type sources (such as DESI, LDPI), working under near-in-situ ambient conditions.
Latent fingerprints contain sebum, amino acids and possibly contaminated drugs / explosives residues. MSI maps residual molecules onto fingerprint ridges, achieving dual information of 'identity + chemical residue'.
Matrix-free ambient sources have an advantage in this scenario because of simple pre-treatment and low background.
Drug tablets and drugs/metabolites in suspected poisoning tissue can be localized in-situ, supporting source and intake judgments; the method is consistent with drug metabolism analysis.
The evidence is often trace amounts; high-resolution matrix-free sources such as LDPI help obtain spatial information on limited samples.
The core of forensics is traceability and reproducibility. MSI preserves the in-situ state of the sample and can overlay morphological verification (see the histology approach), fitting as a molecular-imaging step for physical evidence.
In application, the protocol needs to be fixed and the original spectra retained to meet evidence admissibility requirements.
To obtain detailed specifications, compatible models, or a quotation for the MSI LDPI / DPI full series imaging ion sources, visit the Neo-Source official website, or contact the official team for compatibility advice tailored to your mass spectrometer (Agilent / SCIEX / Thermo and other mainstream MS).