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                            Funding & Awards
 Nanotrace: Applications of subvisible to nanoscale particles in trace evidence
Award Information
Awardee
              Microtrace LLC
Award #
              2015-DN-BX-K033
Funding Category
              Competitive
Location
                    Elgin, IL
Awardee County
              Kane
Congressional District
              6
Status
              Closed
Funding First Awarded
              2015
Total funding (to date)
              $378,701
Original Solicitation
              NIJ FY 15 Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2015, $378,701)
As submitted by the proposer: Nanoparticles and other subvisible particles (10 nm to 100 μm) are present in nearly all forms of existing trace evidence, yet the overwhelming majority of trace examinations focus exclusively upon larger particles. In an era where highly engineered nanoscale materials are being introduced at increasing rates, it seems inconceivable that such materials are not being regularly examined as forensic evidence. The goal of this research is to systematically develop approaches for the isolation, analysis, and interpretation of particles in this size range, which would effectively equate the sensitivity of trace evidence to that of DNA analysis. While the smallest particles in this range will require higher resolution instrumentation, the majority of these particles can be characterized effectively by applying the suite of microanalytical methods present in most trace evidence laboratories today (stereomicroscopy, polarized light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy).
The initial phase of research will focus on assembling a list of subvisible particles and information about their properties and sources. Particles on this list will then be ranked to identify those particles that contain diagnostic micro- or nanoscopic properties and are likely to be encountered as trace evidence. Physical samples of the top one hundred particles will then be characterized by a range of microanalytical methods.  This data will be examined to define the most diagnostic features of each particle type as well as the preparation methods and instrumental approaches that most efficiently provide this information. From this data, an electronic atlas of subvisible particles will be prepared. In addition, this research will evaluate evidence collection techniques and their sensitivity to the recovery of particles in this size range. Finally, the collection and identification methods developed will be tested against typical trace evidence substrates (e.g. ̧fabrics, GSR stubs) to evaluate the prevalence of subvisible particles and the effectiveness of various methods for identifying these particles.
The results of this research will benefit the immediate state of trace evidence examinations by providing laboratories with guidance for the collection, isolation, analysis and interpretation of subvisible particle evidence. It will provide laboratories that are not necessarily searching for subvisible particles, insights into the way current collection methods could impact the preservation of subvisible evidence for future examination. In the long term, this research will provide a firm foundation for the development of an entirely new category of trace evidence.

This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law.

ca/ncf



  
Grant-Funded Publications
        
                      Making Use of What's Not Visible in Trace Evidence Examinations
                  Toner Particles as Forensic Evidence: Microanalytical Characterization of Known Toner and Recognition of Toner in Environmental Samples
                  The Analysis of 3D Printer Dust for Forensic Applications
                  Locating, Identifying, and Comparing Sub-visible Paint Particles
                  NANOTRACE: Applications of Subvisible to Nanoscale Particles in Trace Evidence
                  Analytical and Transfer Characteristics of a Fluorescent Detection Spray: Implications for Subvisible and Nanotrace Particle Transfers

  
Date Created: September 16, 2015
    
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                  Quantitative and visual prediction of eye, hair and skin color from DNA
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