BIOLOGY PROTOCOL FOR THE DETECTION OF ZOPICLONE IN A DIPTERA OF FORENSIC IMPORTANCE Lucilia Sericata

Abstract

In those cases when the corpse is in a state of advanced putrefaction and at the same time poisoning is suspected, the collection of cadaveric samples is not possible, therefore the diagnosis of the possible cause of death is often inconclusive. However, the corpse in these circumstances presents abundant cadaveric fauna, making these important elements in forensic investigation. Therefore, a study consisting of the detection of zopiclone in a dipteran of forensic importance Lucilia sericata (Calliphoridae) was carried out, in order to develop a protocol and be a scientific contribution in the investigation of crimes of this nature, using as a method Thin Layer Chromatography test, in which a silica gel chromatographic plate was applied as a polar stationary phase, adhered to a surface, vertically immersed in a mobile phase (eluent). Considering the life cycle of Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae), which consists of eggs, larval instars I, II, and III, pupae and adults, the study was carried out taking into account larval instar III and positive control pupae (food with zopiclone) and negative controls (food without zopiclone). Results indicated that of all the mobile phases tested, the one with the best polarity relationship between the sample and the eluent was that of Dichloromethane and Isopropanol (85:15). In positive controls was observed the formation of bands equal and similar to the zopiclone standard. In the negative controls, there was no formation of bands in the samples of larvae III and neither in those of pupae, with any of the eluents studied.

Key words: Forensic Entomology, Forensic Entomotoxicology, Necrophagous, Forensic Toxicology, Postmortem changes.