Micro Support: Micromanipulation in Forensics
Micromanipulators are used in analytics for processing, generating, or extracting tiny samples. This involves working under a microscope with one or two arms on a micrometer scale and with sub-micrometer precision. Reproducible and partially automated operations are performed using software-controlled tools.
Forensics is a field of work with many sub-areas that relies on analytical results. In order to obtain reliable evidence for civil or criminal proceedings in the form of forensic results, these must be reproducible, as non-destructive as possible, and tailored to the task at hand.
At the Micro Support demo labs in Shizuoka, new procedures are constantly being tested with the AxisPro system and increasingly integrated into forensic work. We would like to present some of them today:
- Damage-free extraction of samples:
Special micromanipulator tools can be used to extract even the smallest particles or fibers. Microtweezers can pick up clothing fibers or hairs, while tungsten needles or vacuum pipettes can lift particles depending on their size. A second sample stage on the Axis Pro is used for controlled temporary storage of samples before they are further examined using various analysis methods. - Removal of minute quantities of material:
For determining the age of evidence, taking paint samples in car accidents, or deposits on evidence, sample material is removed using minimally invasive techniques. The Milling Pro can be used as an extension for the AxisPro arm, using ultrasound to turn the tungsten carbide tools into the perfect tool for precisely these operations. The software controls the area removed and the depth of penetration into the material. - Removal of pigment particles or fluorescent markers:
When checking banknotes or documents, it can be helpful to extract individual toner particles in the form of ink toner or fluorescent markers. With the fine tungsten needles, even the smallest particles can be manipulated down to the µm scale and extracted for subsequent measurements. The free zoom level selection of the AxisPro also allows fonts, toner particle arrangements, or the placement of security markers to be checked for homogeneity or correct structure. - Locating and extracting minute quantities of liquid:
Micropipettes can be used with the vacuum set not only for the adsorption of particles, but also for the collection or dispensing of minute amounts of liquid. These can then be reused in DNA analysis or other procedures for evidence collection.