Human Scent Identification via GC-MS Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for human scent identification, particularly in forensic contexts, lack a systematic and reliable instrumental analysis, with limitations in collection and storage techniques, leading to challenges in distinguishing between individuals and potential legal issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the collection of human scent compounds from palm or foot samples using a collection fabric, followed by solid phase micro-extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis to create unique scent profiles for identification, optimizing the collection and storage materials to minimize background interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If canine scent discrimination methods are used for human identification, then the ability to detect human scent is improved, but the reliability and scientific validity deteriorate due to lack of systematic analysis and optimization of collection materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the biological detection system (canine olfactory system) with an instrumental analysis system (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). This substitution allows for systematic, objective, and scientifically valid analysis of human scent compounds, eliminating the subjectivity and lack of scientific validation associated with canine detection while maintaining the ability to detect and distinguish human scent profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters from biological response (canine behavior) to chemical analysis parameters (compound identification, retention times, mass spectral data). This transformation enables precise measurement and comparison of volatile organic compounds, providing reliable and reproducible results that can be validated scientifically and used in forensic contexts.
2Ease of operation
If conventional collection materials are used for human scent evidence, then the collection process is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to background interference and lack of optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary treatment to collection materials (autoclaving, solvent extraction, or exposure to clean air) before use to remove background contaminants. This pre-cleaning step ensures that the collection fabric starts with minimal background interference, thereby improving the precision of subsequent scent compound detection without complicating the overall collection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable collection fabrics that are inexpensive and can be discarded after single use. These fabrics are pre-treated during manufacturing to minimize background contamination, providing a balance between ease of operation and measurement precision without requiring complex reusable equipment that would need extensive cleaning and validation.
3Measurement precision
If instrumental analysis methods are developed for human scent identification, then the measurement precision and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which is a multi-functional instrument already widely used in forensic laboratories for various types of analysis. By leveraging this existing universal platform, the patent achieves high measurement precision for human scent identification without requiring the development of entirely new specialized equipment, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces collection fabric as an intermediary medium between the human scent source and the GC-MS analysis system. This intermediary concentrates and preserves volatile organic compounds in a form suitable for instrumental analysis, simplifying the interface between the biological source and the complex analytical instrument while maintaining high measurement precision.
4Ease of operation
If storage conditions for scent evidence are not optimized, then the storage process is simple, but the stability of the scent compounds deteriorates due to environmental degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores collected scent evidence in sealed containers or freezers that create an inert or controlled environment, protecting the volatile organic compounds from degradation by oxygen, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. This approach maintains compound stability without requiring complex active preservation systems, balancing storage simplicity with composition stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for the reliable and unique identification of individuals based on their scent profiles, enhancing forensic capabilities and addressing previous limitations in human scent analysis.
Implementation Method 1
collection of human scent compounds from palm or foot samples using a collection fabric
Implementation Method 2
solid phase micro-extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis
Implementation Method 3
solid phase micro-extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis
Implementation Method 4
solid phase micro-extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention is directed to methods of identifying and/or comparing humans. More particularly, the present invention is directed to methods of collecting human scent compounds from a subject, extracting the compounds, analyzing the compounds, and correlating the compounds to a unique compound profile for the subject. These unique compound profiles can be used to distinguish one subject from another, or to identify a specific subject based upon a sample.