Assessment of Degradation Patterns of Seminal Stains on Different Fabrics using FTIR Spectroscopy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/jfmt.2026.43.03.02Keywords:
Forensic science, Semen, Degradation of Seminal Stain, FTIR SpectroscopyAbstract
Semen is very crucial biological evidence especially in cases of sexual assaults and rape. Understanding the factors that influence semen degradation, such as environmental conditions and biological processes, helps forensic experts estimate timelines. This study evaluated the degradation of seminal stains deposited on denim, linen, and satin fabrics under uncontrolled environmental conditions over 28 days. Samples were examined at 7-day intervals using fluorescence visualization, acid phosphatase testing, microscopic examination of spermatozoa and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Comparative observations indicated that satin retained fluorescence and several semen-associated components more effectively than denim and linen during the early stages of degradation under the study conditions. Positive acid phosphatase reactions were observed across all intervals, while microscopy revealed progressive deterioration of sperm morphology with increasing time. FTIR analysis demonstrated a reduction in detectable semen-associated spectral features over time across all fabrics. The findings indicate that both substrate type and duration of exposure influence the detectability of seminal stain components and support the combined use of conventional and instrumental methods in forensic examination
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