Minimalist strategies applied to analysis of forensic samples using elemental and molecular analytical techniques - A review.

Forensic science is an emerging field driven by a number of factors, and the development of different methods of analyses, instruments, and techniques is of great help to experts in the field. Sampling and sample preparation in forensic cases are of utmost importance, and therefore, the methods for processing (or not) the samples are critical for acquiring accurate results. Some alternatives for attaining the minimalist concept, i.e. little or no sample treatment, are discussed in this review. For elemental analysis, analytical techniques, such as X-ray spectrometry, laser-ablation mass spectrometry, laser-induced breakdown spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and optical emission spectrometry, and Mössbauer spectrometry are overviewed. Molecular analysis, such as Raman spectroscopy, and ambient ionization mass spectrometry are discussed. Some representative examples are presented that involve in situ analysis, counterfeit bank notes and documents, post-mortem and bone analyses, and forensic analysis of drugs, glass, fingerprints, biological fluids and explosives.