To estimate the postmortem interval using FTIR spectroscopy

Objective The rat and human tissues were analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy technique after death and the study can provide a new method to estimate postmortem interval. Methods The rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the cadavers were kept at 4, 20, 30°C in a controlled environment chamber. The tissues were sub-sampled from different organs at different time points postmortem. The human tissues were taken at intervals after death. The spectra were collected to explore the changes of different chemical functions. Results The absorbance bands position of rat and human showed no obvious changes. The absorbance band intensity showed four change ways: increase, decrease, stable and instability. The different absorbance band ratios showed similar changes tendency. Conclusion FTIR can provide a new method to estimate the postmortem interval.