Research Projects

Forensic Analysis of Body Fluids Using Vibrational Spectroscopy

Lednev’s laboratory has developed a universal method for nondestructive, automatic, confirmatory identification for all main body fluids based on Raman microspectroscopy and advanced statistics. It was also demonstrated that the method allows for differentiating human and animal blood that is important for investigation of hit-and-run cases. Dry traces of menstrual and peripheral blood can be also differentiated. A regression model for estimating the time-since-deposition of blood up to two years that is essential for determining the time of crime and/or selecting bloodstains relevant to the crime. Most recently, the developed methodology was further expanded for phenotype profiling based on dry tares of body fluids: sex, race and age of the donor can be determined. When fully developed, this method will be invaluable for the law enforcement agencies. To commercialize the new patented methodology Dr. Lednev has started-up a company SupreMEtric LLC (www.supremetric.com) and received Phase I NSF STTR grant.

Gunshot residue analysis

Lednev laboratory has developed a novel two-step method for the fast detection and confirmatory identification of organic gunshot residue (OGSR). The proof of concept was demonstrated for differentiating firearm-ammunition combination based on GSR particles. One important application, which can be utilized now, is to exclude a suspect’s gun from being used at the crime based on a comparative analysis GSR recovered at the crime scene and that obtained from firing the gun under controlled conditions. This discovery is currently under development with support from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ).

Disease diagnostics

Lednev’s laboratory used the combination of Raman hyperspectroscopy and advanced statistics for developing a noninvasive method for Alzheimer’s disease diagnostics based on blood serum analysis. Lednev is currently working on the commercialization of this patented methodology. Most recently, his team reported on a new screening tool for Alzheimer’s disease diagnostics based on Raman spectroscopy of saliva. The developed approach has been also applied to diagnose Celiac Disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and cancer.