Identification of polydimethylsiloxane lubricant traces from latex condoms in cases of sexual assault

Abstract

A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) liquid is used as a lubricant by many condom manufacturers. Because the use of condoms in sex crimes is likely to increase, a protocol was developed that could extract PDMS and the spermicide nonoxynol-9 from evidence items and separately identify them by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Additionally, at least some discrimination was provided by microscopically identifying insoluble lubricants such as corn starch, lycopodium, silica, and talc which are added to some brands. Desorption chemical ionization mass spectrometry was used to compare the PDMS used by different manufacturers and to detect as little as 20 ng. The protocol was successfully used in two actual cases, one in which the assailant wore a lubricated condom, and a second in which he did not, but claimed to have done so.