Forensic Chemistry and Ambient Mass Spectrometry: A Perfect Couple Destined for a Happy Marriage?

Abstract

Ambient mass spectrometry has been demonstrated, via various proof-of-concept studies, to offer a powerful, rather universal, simple, fast, nondestructive, and robust tool in forensic chemistry, producing reliable evidence at the molecular level. Its nearly nondestructive nature also preserves the sample for further inquiries. This feature article demonstrates the applicability of ambient mass spectrometry in forensic chemistry and explains the challenges that need to be overcome for this technique to make the ultimate step from the academic world into forensic institutes worldwide. We anticipate that the many beneficial and matching figures of merit will bring forensic chemistry and ambient mass spectrometry to a long-term relationship, which is likely to get strongly consolidated over the years.