Automated Extraction of Direct, Reactive, and Vat Dyes from Cellulosic Fibers for Forensic Analysis by Capillary Electrophoresis

Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-18-2009

Abstract

Systematic designed experiments were employed to find the optimum conditions for extraction of direct, reactive, and vat dyes from cotton fibers prior to forensic characterization. Automated microextractions were coupled with measurements of extraction efficiencies on a microplate reader UV–visible spectrophotometer to enable rapid screening of extraction efficiency as a function of solvent composition. Solvent extraction conditions were also developed to be compatible with subsequent forensic characterization of extracted dyes by capillary electrophoresis with UV–visible diode array detection. The capillary electrophoresis electrolyte successfully used in this work consists of 5 mM ammonium acetate in 40:60 acetonitrile–water at pH 9.3, with the addition of sodium dithionite reducing agent to facilitate analysis of vat dyes. The ultimate goal of these research efforts is enhanced discrimination of trace fiber evidence by analysis of extracted dyes.

Journal Title

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

Journal ISSN

1618-2642

Volume

394

Issue

8

First Page

2095

Last Page

2103

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1007/s00216-009-2876-8

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