Dr. Lauryn DeGreeff and forensic chemistry students Katherine Castro, Thouli Jayawardana, Sadie Olrogg, and Fantasia Whaley presented their latest research at the Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy (Pittcon), March 3 & 4, in Boston, MA. Pittcon is an annual Conference and Exposition on laboratory science. The DeGreeff lab presented their work as part of the event's Bioanalytical and Life Sciences section.
Their projects involve the analysis and detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the refinement of training aids for canine detector teams. Their work will inform the development of laboratory and field technologies for the location of illicit substances, hidden explosives, and human remains.
Find more information about the DeGreef laboratory at https://myweb.fiu.edu/ldegreef/
Presentations:
Dr. Lauryn DeGreeff - Volatile Analysis of Terpenes and Cannabinoids for the Geographical Sourcing of Marijuana - In this work, solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) with gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (GC/MS) with multivariate statistical analyses was used for the discrimination of the odor profiles of marijuana samples based the geographical growing location. With this information, it may be possible to determine specific biomarkers that are common between samples and develop a targeted analysis for differentiation. Moreover, this work expands on the foundation already established in SPME-GC-MS research regarding the differentiation of similar-like substances of forensic and agricultural interest, such as hemp and marijuana, or distinct varieties of foodstuffs.
Dr. DeGreeff is an Associate Professor of Chemistry with the Global Forensic and Justice Center at Florida International University. She conducts research in the field of vapor characterization and analysis, specifically trace vapor sampling, characterization, and generalization.
Katherine Castro, PhD Candidate - Development of a standard validation method of alternative canine explosive training aids - Standard assessment protocols for alternative training aids are needed to determine the extent to which the aids provide odorants relevant to the detection of target materials by canines and the level of unrelated odorants that hinder efficacy. The methods developed were verified by solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GCMS), and its ruggedness was tested by inter-laboratory study and resulted in specificity to explosive VOCs.
Ms. Castro's research focuses on biological molecules and xenobiotics (drugs, toxins) and their metabolites, the study of biological systems, biosensors, forensic science, and toxicology.
Fantasia Whaley, PhD Candidate - Evolution of VOC Profiles during Early Human and Animal Decomposition in Application for Canine Detection - Human remains detection (HRD) canines play a crucial role in locating missing persons, providing valuable evidence to investigations. This study aims to address the gap in understanding the changes in decomposition within the first 48 hours after death, a critical timeframe for search and rescue (SAR). Results implied that early changes in odor profiles can significantly impact canine detection, providing valuable insights for HRD canine training.
Ms. Whaley's research focuses on the intricate changes in odor profiles during early decomposition, with a focus on the critical first 48 hours, and involves the application of chemometrics and conducting canine trials to evaluate significant changes in chemical odors and canine alerts.
Thouli Jayawardana, PhD Candidate - Beyond SPME: Alternative Approach to Fentanyl Vapor Sampling - Detecting fentanyl is crucial for public safety and effective law enforcement. This study introduces a cost-effective vapor sampling method using functionalized filter paper to adsorb target vapors of fentanyl selectively. This sampling method offers low cost, selectivity, simplicity, and easy storage while preserving VOC integrity, addressing SPME limitations, and making it suitable for forensic and law enforcement applications. It also holds the promise of expanding to other illegal drug classes.
Improving Non-Contact Fentanyl Detection by IMS using a novel pre-concentrator - Detecting dangerous drugs in the field is crucial for public safety and law enforcement. This research aims to improve IMS detection by developing a novel pre-concentrator using Silicon Nanowires (SiNWs) coated with an acrylate-based polymer. Performance was validated using an optimized Thermal Desorption-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry method, confirming the polymer’s effectiveness in collecting N-phenylpropanamide (NPPA), a key vapor component found in fentanyl's headspace.
Ms. Jayawardana's research focuses on biological molecules, xenobiotics (drugs, toxins) and their metabolites, the study of biological systems, biosensors, forensic science, and toxicology.
Sadie Olrogg, PhD Candidate - Development and Testing of a Novel Sorbent Material for Headspace Analysis with Application to Illicit Drugs - For this research, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from pharmaceutical grade and seized drug samples are identified to better understand the headspace profile of illicit drugs for use in law enforcement. During analysis of the samples, several target VOCs were found, and the most abundant targets were focused for each drug. The targets were found with similar abundances in the SPME fiber as well as the functionalized glass surface, showing a comparable technique to SPME and more cost-effective.
Ms. Olrogg is working to create a functionalized glass surface for use in headspace analysis, specifically for targeting illicit drugs.