FTIR Analysis for Identification of Semen in Mixed Biological Fluids

Authors: Kaushik A, Verma P and Jain S*

DOI: 10.23880/ijfsc-16000246

Volume 6, Issue 4

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual assault and rape cases are one of the most common nefarious offenses and has become a major problem in India. The most worrisome issue is proving or disproving of assault. It is accomplished by the proper investigation of scene of crime, collection of evidences and their examination. Body fluids like semen, saliva, urine, vaginal secretion etc. are routinely found in mixed state in assaults cases and their separation and isolation is an intricate chore. Methodology: In present study biological fluids were collected and mixed with semen on a cotton cloth, taken as substrate. Preliminary analysis was performed by Acid phosphate test for all the samples, further presence of sperm was observed in all semen samples by appropriate slide preparation. FTIR analysis of all the samples were performed for identification of semen even in mixed samples. Result: Positive Acid Phosphate was observed in the semen samples and mixed samples containing semen as one of the biological fluids, with the highest intensity of purple color in semen samples followed by urine and saliva. In FTIR analysis, the peaks observed for semen were 1635.8 cm-1 and 1537.8 cm-1, corresponding peaks were observed in mixed samples of semen-saliva and semen-urine respectively. Conclusion: Acid phosphate can be used as a preliminary test in detection of semen, aids in providing a lead in an offence. FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) spectroscopy was conducted to identify semen from other biological fluids and found to be a confirmatory technique in identification of semen mixed with other body fluids.

Keywords: FTIR; Semen Identification; Mixed Biological Fluids; Saliva; Urine; Body Fluids

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