Ambient Ionization: Surface Analysis of Sexual Assault Evidence and 2-Dimensional Imaging of Whole-Body Zebra Fish (Danio Rerio) Using Desorption Electrospray Ionization

Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) is an ambient surface analysis technique capable of producing 2D and 3D images. The ionization mechanism utilizes a pneumatically assisted sprayer to deposit a charged solvent onto a sample surface. Subsequent impacting primary droplets produce ejecting surface secondary droplets containing desolved analytes, which are then detected by a mass analyzer. This thesis explores two fields of application of DESI, forensics and biological tissue analysis. The former involves the analysis of sexual assault evidence, in the form of condoms, lubricants, and their residues as a potential aid in convicting perpetrators. The latter focuses on investigating the potential use of the zebra fish (Danio rerio) as a model vertebrate organism for future toxicological and biological research. Whole-body 2D images were created, highlighting areas of interest such as, the brain, spinal cord, liver, and body fat.