ChemiCal transformations apidose tissues: a new approaCh of adipoCere formation

Abstract

Adipocere is the result of the postmortem decomposition consisting of a solid mixture of fatty acids and soaps.
In adequate conditions, adipocere is formed because of the decomposition of adipose tissues.
This article aims to identify the formation of adipocere stage by stage in six different ambient conditions. Human
and pig adipose tissues are used to do the different experiments and Fourier Transform Infrared microspectrometry is used to show the chemical modifications.
The results highlight the fact that good conditions can promote the formation of adipocere in short time after
the death. Furthermore, interpretations of F.T.I.R. spectra introduce a new approach of the degradation of adipose
tissue.
Finally, FTIR in mode Attenuated Total Reflectance allows the establishment of quantitative profile lipid evolution and may provide a clue to the determination of post mortem interval with an eye to completing medicolegal
methods.