Analysis of Botulinum Neurotoxin Detection by Mass Spectrometry in Forensic Samples

Forensic science is a field using science to solve problems in law [1,2]. Forensic scientists apply the principles and techniques of the physical and natural sciences to the analyses of forensic evidences, which are collected in the crime scenes. They also interpret their findings and express their significance in a courtroom as expert witness. Anthrax spore-laden letters were mailed on September 18 and October 9 from Princeton, New Jersey. The letters passed through several states including Florida, New York, and Washington DC. At least 22 individuals were infected and showed symptoms of anthrax by inhalation or cutaneous infection, in which five of the individuals died [3]. Since the 2001 anthrax attacks, members of the biosecurity community and U.S. government officials have expressed a growing sense of alarm at the threats of biological attacks. In particular, the anthrax mailings have disastrous and devastating impact on human health, society, and economy. The threat of terrorist or criminal use of pathogenic organisms and their toxins remains of great concern in the United States and other countries in the world.