Is the luminescence intensity of 521-31-3 luminol related to the amount of blood when detecting bloodstains

Luminol, also known as 3-aminobenzoyl hydrazine, is a compound that can react chemically with oxidants (such as hydrogen peroxide) in alkaline environments, producing strong blue white fluorescence. This feature allows luminol to excel in blood stain detection, even trace amounts of blood that are difficult to detect with the naked eye cannot escape under the glow of luminol. So, is the luminescence intensity of luminol used to detect bloodstains related to the amount of blood present?

1, Luminol's luminescence principle

Under alkaline conditions, when luminol meets hydrogen peroxide, an intermediate product is generated that can absorb energy and transition to an excited state. Subsequently, photons are released during the de excitation process, forming visible fluorescence to the naked eye. And hemoglobin in the blood, especially the iron element it contains, can act as a catalyst to accelerate this reaction process, causing the bloodstains to emit dazzling fluorescence under the action of luminol.

luminol powder

2, Blood volume affects the luminescence intensity of luminol

The amount of blood directly determines the total amount of hemoglobin, which in turn affects the efficiency of catalyzing the luminescent reaction of luminol. When the blood volume is high, the hemoglobin content is abundant, providing sufficient catalyst for the oxidation reaction of luminol, making the luminescence reaction more intense, and the luminescence intensity naturally increases accordingly. On the contrary, when the blood volume is low, the hemoglobin content is limited, the catalytic efficiency decreases, and the luminescence intensity correspondingly weakens.

3, Consideration of other influencing factors

Of course, the relationship between luminescence intensity and blood volume does not exist in isolation, but is also influenced by multiple factors.

(1) The freshness of bloodstains

Hemoglobin in fresh bloodstains has high activity and strong catalytic ability, so the luminescence intensity is often high. As time goes by, hemoglobin will gradually degrade, lose its catalytic ability, and lead to a decrease in luminescence intensity.

(2) Interference from environmental conditions

Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity may also affect the luminescence reaction of luminol. For example, excessive temperature may accelerate the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, thereby reducing the luminescence intensity; The change in humidity may affect the stability of the luminol reagent, thereby affecting the detection efficiency.

(3) Pollution and interference

If bloodstains are contaminated with other substances, they may interfere with the reaction between hemoglobin and luminol, reducing the luminescence intensity. In addition, certain chemicals may also act as fluorescence quenchers to suppress the luminescence phenomenon of luminol.

Product packaging

4, Conclusion

In summary, there is indeed a close relationship between the luminescence intensity and blood volume when detecting bloodstains with luminol. Through in-depth research and application of this principle, we can not only locate bloodstains and restore crime scenes in criminal investigations, but also play an important role in forensic identification, archaeological excavation, and other fields.

Hubei Xindesheng Material Technology Co., Ltd., as an experienced manufacturer of luminol, has strict storage management systems for every batch of luminol powder reagents produced. For the luminol purchased by the customer, sealed and well opaque bottles are used for packaging and transportation to strictly ensure that the product does not clump or deteriorate during transportation. If you are also interested in related products, please click on the official website to learn more details or contact me to discuss more related knowledge!