Human scent characterization : A review

Human scent has long been cited as a probable parameter that can be exploited as a biometric measure. Identifying the scent of individual persons using specially trained canines is a well-known forensic method which is frequently used in criminal investigations. To date there has been limited research on the chemical components present in human scent and their usefulness in distinguishing between people. This review delivers insight into studies which have dealt with human scent in forensics. Sample collection methods, sample preparation, instrumental analysis, compounds identified in human scent and data analysis techniques are discussed. Methods for sample collection and preparation are presented, but to date, there is no available validated method. Instrumental methods are presented and from the overview it is clear that gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry is the method of choice. New developments such as two-dimensional gas chromatography offer exiting possibilities to collect more information. Given the amount and complexity of data, data processing is used to extract the relevant information to discriminate people. Finally, sensors offer new opportunities for the characterization of human scent.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Peters, Ruud, Veenstra, Rick, Heutinck, Karin, Baas, Albert, Munniks, Sandra, Knotter, Jaap
Format: Article/Letter to editor biblioteca
Language:English
Subjects:Forensic science, Gas chromatography, Human odor, Human scent, Mass spectrometry, Sensors, VOCs,
Online Access:https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/human-scent-characterization-a-review
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!