Detecting Volatile Organic Compounds from Cadaveric Decomposition using Polydiacetylene
Standing
Undergraduate
Type of Proposal
Oral Research Presentation
Challenges Theme
Open Challenge
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Simon Rondeau-Gagne
Proposal
Polydiacetylenes (PDA) are a class of polymers that have been used extensively in materials chemistry. This unique conjugated polymer has rich optical properties that can be used for sensing of various analytes. These PDA-based sensors mainly focus on the colorimetric or fluorescent properties, where the polymer can be classified in ‘active’ or ‘inactive’ phases, and can be utilized in a wide variety of applications. This immediate optical change makes PDA sensing a great option for in-field forensic utilization. Since most forensic testing is bulky, expensive, or requires training and expertise to use, a small and portable PDA based sensor would revolutionize forensic investigation. In this research project, PDA-based sensing is evaluated in the emerging field of forensics to examine volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from cadaveric decomposition. With this new optical sensor platform that reacts to these VOCs, post-mortem intervals, stage and rate of decomposition will be determined proactively by onsite forensics, before the body is sent away for further testing, opening new opportunities for the portable and accurate detection of various VOCs at the point-of-use.
Grand Challenges
Viable, Healthy and Safe Communities
Detecting Volatile Organic Compounds from Cadaveric Decomposition using Polydiacetylene
Polydiacetylenes (PDA) are a class of polymers that have been used extensively in materials chemistry. This unique conjugated polymer has rich optical properties that can be used for sensing of various analytes. These PDA-based sensors mainly focus on the colorimetric or fluorescent properties, where the polymer can be classified in ‘active’ or ‘inactive’ phases, and can be utilized in a wide variety of applications. This immediate optical change makes PDA sensing a great option for in-field forensic utilization. Since most forensic testing is bulky, expensive, or requires training and expertise to use, a small and portable PDA based sensor would revolutionize forensic investigation. In this research project, PDA-based sensing is evaluated in the emerging field of forensics to examine volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from cadaveric decomposition. With this new optical sensor platform that reacts to these VOCs, post-mortem intervals, stage and rate of decomposition will be determined proactively by onsite forensics, before the body is sent away for further testing, opening new opportunities for the portable and accurate detection of various VOCs at the point-of-use.