Development Of Fingerprints Research Articles

BiOCl: Dy3+/Ba2+ nanophosphors: Synthesis, luminescence characteristics and applications in latent fingerprint detection and cheiloscopy

Here, we systematically investigate the structural and luminescent behaviour of Ba2+ co-doped BiOCl:Dy3+ nanophosphors synthesized by a cost-effective solid-state reaction method. The effect of Barium concentration on the structural and optical properties of Dy3+ doped BiOCl phosphors was examined in detail. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns and Rietveld refinement revealed that the as-prepared phosphors had a tetragonal crystal structure with the space group P4/nmm. X-ray Photon Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman analysis unveiled the elemental composition and vibrational modes of the prepared sample and it directly confirms the incorporation of Dy3+ and Ba2+ ions into the BiOCl lattice. The effect of Ba2+ co-doping on photoluminescence of optimized BiOCl:2%Dy3+ was studied and, observed a remarkable enhancement in the emission intensity. The decay time obtained in microseconds implied the fast-switching response of the nanophosphors. The prepared nanophosphors at optimum concentration were used for the development and visualization of latent fingerprints (LFPs) and Cheiloscopy for individual identification in forensic science. Our results reveal that the synthesized nanophosphors have potential applications in the field of color displays and may act as a valuable tool for law enforcement.

Comparison of carbon and iron oxide based powder suspension formulations

Powder suspensions (PS) are a fingermark development technique made up of a mixture of an insoluble powder and surfactant solution. In the UK, carbon-based PS is used operationally on adhesive surfaces while iron oxide-based PS is used on flexible plastics. In NSW, Australia, only carbon-based suspensions are used due to a lack of research using iron oxide PS in an Australian context. In this research, a range of iron oxide powders and surfactant types were tested to optimise two iron oxide formulations. General observations found that thinner suspensions improved the ease of use in this technique while slightly improving the quality of developed fingermarks. The first optimised formulation involved a magnetic iron-oxide from Fisher Scientific mixed with a dilute Triton X-100 surfactant, and the other an iron-oxide nanopowder from Sigma Aldrich mixed with a 4% Tween 20 solution. The two formulations were then compared with a pre-mixed carbon-based PS, Wet Powder. This comparison showed that the effectiveness of each formulation is heavily dependent on substrate type. Both formulations had issues with heavy background staining on different kinds of surfaces. However, Wet Powder was shown to be the most consistently effective fingermark detection technique overall, especially on adhesive tapes. Despite this, iron-oxide PS were still a highly effective fingermark development technique, notably on plastic surfaces.

Latent Fingerprint Development by Brick Powder

In forensic investigations, the relationship between the criminal, the victim, and the crime scene can be firmly established through the detection of latent finger marks. Fingerprints are avital and unique identity of a person. These are impressions left by the friction ridges of a human finger on contact with any surface. Many unique characteristics in the human body like a fingerprint, DNA, palm prints, iris patterns, voices, etc. So, Fingerprint is a unique characteristic of the human body, and every human’s different fingerprints between identical twins. As we know friction ridges develop in a 3-4 month of gestation duration time. Mayer, a German doctor, and anatomist were the first to write that friction ridge skin is unique. The fingerprint is the most important evidence at the Crime scene and identification of the criminal. Fingerprint identification is a method of identification using the impression formed by the minute ridges seen on the fingertips. Fingerprint has certain individual characteristics that are unique. Latent fingerprints are most generally seen prints from the crime scene. Such prints are obtained when natural oils and perspiration existing between the fingertip ridges are transferred to a surface by any contact. Latent prints are invisible and are much harder to detect and preserve. In this research paper, a new method for the development of Latent fingerprints is used that’s brick powder. The brick powder is used in various Porous and Non-porous surfaces like plastic glass, ordinary mirror, matchbox, painted wall, writable CD, wooden substrate, currency note, door handle, floor surface, book cover, sunglasses, and mobile glass card for development of latent fingerprint impression.

Strongly fluorescent conjugated polymer nanoparticles in aqueous colloidal solution for universal, efficient and effective development of sebaceous and blood fingerprints

Taking the same developing strategy for different types of latent fingerprints is helpful in improving the efficiency of criminal investigation. Here we advanced a new strategy based on amino-functionalized poly(p-phenylenevinylene) nanoparticles (PPV-brPEI NPs) in aqueous colloidal solution as the developing reagent. The desirable amino functionality and strong emission of NPs were simultaneously realized by adding branched polyethyleneimine (brPEI) during the process of thermal elimination of the PPV polymer precursor. The NPs were demonstrated to have negligible effects on the extraction of biological information from DNA. Using the PPV-brPEI NPs-soaked cotton pad, both latent sebaceous fingerprints (LSFPs) and latent blood fingerprints (LBFPs) can be effectively developed on different nonporous substrates. This strategy was highly sensitive and effective for aged, contaminated and moldy fingerprints. Additionally, the developed fingerprints could tolerate humidity environment and the alcohol atmosphere. The mechanism investigation suggests that interaction between PPV-brPEI NPs and sebum ingredients contributes to the development of LSFPs and interaction between PPV-brPEI NPs and proteins in blood contributes to the development of LBFPs, but the former is not as stable as the latter. This work provides a simple, environment/operator-friendly strategy for efficient fingerprint development, which is very promising for practical criminal investigations.

Use of conductive Ti2O3 nanoparticles for optical and electrochemical imaging of latent fingerprints on various substrates

The personal identification technology based on fingerprint features has great application value in the fields of public security and consumer electronics due to its extensiveness and reliability. However, current fingerprint development methods do not work efficiently for latent fingerprints (LFPs) deposited on some problematic objects. In this work, conductive Ti2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) with black color were used as a novel optical and electrochemical dual-mode enhancer for the development of LFPs with high sensitivity, resolution and low background interference on various substrates. For the majority of substrates, black Ti2O3 NPs were able to acquire the high-sensitivity optical development of LFPs (levels 1–3 features), which maybe result from spatially selective adhesion between Ti2O3 NPs and fingerprint residues. However, for dark substrates with strong background color interference, the obtained images from Ti2O3-developed fingerprints were severely blurry. Significantly, by virtue of the electroactivity of Ti2O3 powder, the Ti2O3-developed fingerprints could be further electrochemically imaged with high contrast and high resolution by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to eliminate background color interference. The current changes at the probe of SECM could reflect the pattern information of the fingerprint because the redox mediator could be regenerated at the surface of Ti2O3 powders adhered to the ridge regions. These results demonstrated that Ti2O3 NPs could be considered as a bi-functional developer for enhancing LFPs.

Quality monitoring of Shenmai injection by HPLC pharmacodynamic fingerprinting

A probable problem of disconnection between chemical fingerprints and drug effects for TCMs would be contrary to the original intention of fingerprint research, and limits the development and application of fingerprints. In this study, Shenmai injection, as a treatment dosage form of coronary heart disease, shock, and viral myocarditis clinically, was applied as the research object. The fingerprint of Shenmai injection was constructed, and the pharmacodynamic test of antioxidant effect was carried out to obtain quantitative characteristics and pharmacodynamic data. On this basis, a monitoring model based on the HPLC pharmacodynamic fingerprint was established to evaluate the quality of Shenmai injections from different batches and different manufacturers. Results showed that the optimized HPLC method had good repeatability, precision, and stability. A total of 28 characteristic peaks were identified to provide more chemical information. Furthermore, 13 ginsenosides and notoginsenoside have been selected as characteristic components of LC/MS fingerprint method. 8 peaks closely related to antioxidant properties by multiple linear regression method, which were identified as Rg1, Re, Rf, Rb1, and some other ginsenosides using MS analysis. The monitoring model based on HPLC pharmacodynamic fingerprint could successfully identify quality differences for Shenmai injections. Based on the case study of Shenmai injection, the novel and practical fingerprint analytical strategy could be further applied to monitor or predict the quality of TCMs.

Novel Red‐Emitting Gd3BW1‐xMoxO9 : Eu3+ Phosphor with High Thermal Stability for Application in UV‐Excited WLEDs and Rapid Visualization of Latent Fingerprints

AbstractRare‐earth‐doped inorganic luminescent materials are widely used in white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs), lasers and forensic sciences due to their outstanding optical characteristics. However, it is still a challenge to obtain such materials with better thermal stability for application in WLEDs on account of their serious thermal quenching properties. In addition, there is still room for improvement in some respects such as higher sensitivity and contrast for application in latent fingerprint development. Herein, a series of novel Gd3BW1‐xMoxO9 : Eu3+ phosphors have been synthesized via high‐temperature solid‐state reaction process. Compared with different Mo6+ ions doping concentrations, Gd3BW0.7Mo0.3O9 : Eu3+ phosphor has optimal photoluminescence properties. Meanwhile, the emission intensity of Gd3BW0.7Mo0.3O9 : Eu3+ phosphor is over 3 times higher than that of commercial red phosphor. More impressive is its excellent resistance against thermal quenching; when heated up to 150 °C, the Gd3BW0.7Mo0.3O9 : Eu3+ phosphor still preserves about 98 % emission intensity of that at room temperature. Furthermore, the latent fingerprints (LFPs) developed by Gd3BW0.7Mo0.3O9 : Eu3+ phosphor exhibited the excellent visualization on various nonporous substrates, and level 1–3 features were well identified with high contrast and sensitivity. The obtained results suggested that the as‐prepared phosphor has great potential for application in both WLEDs and latent fingerprint detection.

Polyaryl substituted imidazobenzothiadiazoles as multifunctional organic fluorescent materials for visualization of latent fingerprints and lysosome staining

Organic fluorescent materials have attracted increasing attention for their applications in various fields. Design and synthesis of multifunctional organic fluorescent emitters based on simple molecular structure are still highly demanded and challenging. In this paper, we designed and synthesized six organic fluorescent molecules with polyaryl substituted imidazobenzothiadiazole structure. The substituents on imidazole ring have important effects on the optical properties. Compounds with N, N-dialkyl aniline moieties on imidazole ring could show obvious solvatochromic properties with relatively large Stokes shifts and low quantum yields. However, the fluorescent emissions of other compounds with phenol, 4-methoxy phenyl or methyl groups on imidazole ring are almost unaffected by the solvent polarity, and they can exhibit higher fluorescent quantum yields. Under acidic conditions, the fluorescence emission of these compounds can be gradually extinguished. In addition, the fluorescence emission can be recovered under basic conditions. Significant changes in fluorescence emission indicate that these molecules can be used as anti-counterfeiting inks. Further investigation showed that the compound with methyl group on imidazole ring can be used for latent fingerprint development. High-contrast fingerprint images are obtained on various substrate surfaces. It is also found that the compound with phenol moiety on imidazole ring can be utilized for lysosomes imaging in living cells accurately with high efficiency. This work provides a series of imidazobenzothiadiazole-based multifunctional organic materials with potential applications in security inks, latent fingerprint imaging and lysosome staining.

Ordovician tephra distribution, tephrochronology and geochronology

Abstract The study of Ordovician tephras yields a wealth of valuable information about regional tectonism, sedimentation, stratigraphic correlation, and process rates. As such, these layers are prized by geologists and are the subject of a rich literature. Ordovician tephra studies were pioneering, particularly in the development of chemical fingerprinting to improve precision in tephrochronology. Modern radioisotope geochronology utilizes zircons and other phenocrysts from these layers to generate eruption ages with uncertainty on the order of a hundred thousand years. When integrated with biostratigraphy, chemostratigraphy and astrochronology, tephra ages provide an unparalleled opportunity to constrain process rates. Fifty such Ordovician tephra ages have been published over the last decade from U–Pb analysis of individual zircon phenocrysts, providing geochronological coverage across all stages of the Ordovician. Laurentia dominates this coverage (24) followed by the Baltic Basin (12), North Gondwana (11), Cuyania (four) and the Siberian Tungus Basin (one). Future tephra studies should seek to fill the numerous remaining gaps in the Ordovician time scale.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Photoluminescent Powders for the Development of Latent Fingerprints on Complex Surfaces

Since the end of the 19th century, criminal investigation began to use the invisible impressions of the fingerprints that people leave on the crime scene to relate them to suspected criminal acts. To make them visible, different technologies have been developed over the last 120 years. One of them is the use of physical powders, and within this group it is also possible to identify different types of powder. Photoluminescent powders (fluorescent and phosphorescent) have a specific application for those surfaces considered “complex”. This research will investigate the quality of these two types of developers on different surfaces to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of prioritizing the use of each one of them.

Quantifying DNA loss in laboratory-created latent prints due to fingerprint processing

Fingerprints, which are associated with touch samples, typically contain a limited amount of DNA. The amount of available DNA can be further reduced when the same touch samples undergo fingerprint processing [1]. The fingerprint development process consists of high-powered lighting (inherent luminescence and UV light) and chemical compounds (ninhydrin, black powder, cyanoacrylate, and rhodamine 6 G) which could reduce DNA quality and quantity. Therefore, forensic scientists often must select one type of analysis over the other due to the destructive nature of processing. DNA and latent fingerprinting are both useful sources for identification, although both can produce partial results. A partial DNA profile may only contain a few alleles, limiting the ability to identify a potential suspect to perform comparisons. A partial fingerprint generally means that only a very small part of the fingerprint is present, which makes comparisons difficult. Because partial results are common, combining data from both fingerprinting and DNA analysis would increase the confidence of an identification of a person. Significant research has been performed to determine if a DNA profile can be obtained from latent processed fingerprints; however, there has yet to be research done in a standardized manner. In this study, we used standardized mock “fingerprints” in order to reduce fingerprint DNA variability and specifically focused on DNA quantitation after each step in the fingerprinting process. Results suggest that latent print processing techniques used on non-porous surfaces (plastic, duct-tape, metal, and rubber) do not affect DNA quantity or quality. In contrast, ninhydrin, a chemical used for processing fingerprints present on porous surfaces (wood and paper), significantly reduced DNA recovery. Together these results suggest that DNA can still be performed on latent print processed items, unless ninhydrin has been used.

Biodegradable plastics and their impact on fingermark detection methods

The use of plastics is extremely prevalent in society, with most individuals likely to handle several plastic items per day. It is therefore not surprising that many exhibits recovered from the scene of a crime are plastics, which are processed and examined for traces such as fingermarks. Societal trends have been pushing towards more environmentally friendly products with alternatives to traditional disposable plastics becoming increasingly available. These alternate plastics have different chemical compositions and physical properties, which may impact fingermark development for these substrates. As most detection techniques are known to be substrate-dependent, it is crucial to review current methods and procedures to examine how effective they are on new materials. The aim of this research was to assess a range of fingermark detection techniques on biodegradable plastics and provide recommendations for the preferred technique. First, the prevalence of these materials in the Australian market was evaluated. Over 40 different plastics obtained within the Sydney area were then divided into six broad categories using consumer information in combination with ATR-FTIR spectroscopy analysis. Following this, selected plastics from each category were used as substrates for the fingermark development study. In total, 6480 fingermark specimens were collected as split marks, to form 2160 fingermark comparisons. Each substrate was then developed with four fingermark detection techniques suitable for plastic substrates: cyanoacrylate (CA) fuming, vacuum metal deposition (VMD), powder suspensions (PS), and single metal deposition (SMD). SMD resulted in the most consistent development method across all tested substrates. VMD was able to successfully develop fingermarks on polyethylene-based plastics, but led to poorer results on alternative plastics, while CA fuming and PS were notably more dependent on the surface texture. This research was successful in confirming that biodegradable plastics do in fact have an impact on fingermark development techniques commonly applied on traditional plastics and recommendations have been formed to aid in operational contexts to improve the potential to recover latent fingermarks from biodegradable plastics.

Optimization of the Superglue Fuming and Powder Technique for the Enhancement of Latent Fingerprints from Objects Submerged in Water: An Experimental Study in Ghana

Abstract Introduction Criminals’ propensity to precautionary mask their tracks such as disposing of an item of evidence in an aquatic environment (including freshwater and seawater) warrants the ongoing quest for advanced reagents and techniques that are tailored to the substrate characteristics on which the print will be developed. Aim The study aimed to evaluate the synergic efficiency of the superglue fuming technique (using a homemade fuming chamber) and the powder technique in the development and visualization of latent fingerprints (LFPs) from different nonporous substrates submerged in an aquatic environment for up to 120 days. Materials and Methods All selected nonporous substrates were cleaned thoroughly with a 70% alcohol swab. Natural latent prints were obtained from a single donor and the substrates were exposed to an aquatic environment. The superglue fuming (using a homemade fuming chamber) plus the powder technique was employed to develop and visualize the print. Results Our findings disclose that the use of the superglue fuming technique together with the powder technique enhances the recovery rate of LFPs from substrates kept underwater for up to 90 days. The development of fingerprints was challenging from the substrates that were submerged in water for exactly 120 days. Conclusions The resulting efficiency of the combined technique (superglue fuming technique using a homemade fuming chamber + powder technique) is substantially more sensitive, and selective, and performs better than the previously used stand-alone fingerprint enhancement technique. The improvised homemade fuming chamber proves to be a viable alternative to the standardized fuming cabinet in terms of functionality and sensitivity.

Development of Latent Fingerprint using Carbon Powder

The uniqueness of human fingerprint plays the most prominent role in forensic investigation as a physical evidenceWhich is useful for criminal identification. With its unique features no two fingerprints have ever been found tobe identical. In legal cases the identification of such print established the relationship between crime scene andthe culprit. Generally , there are three types of fingerprint is to be found visible print, plastic print and latentprint ( invisible print) which has been taken in account for identification. There is no such crucial method is usedfor decipher the visible print and plastic print because they are easily visible to naked eye but in case of latentprint the process for enhancement is necessary for the latent fingerprint to be observed by naked eye. The mostencountered fingerprint is the latent fingerprint which is unconsciously left by perpetrators at any surface. Forvisualizing such prints Various method have been reported for the development of latent fingerprint on differentsurfaces. This present study introducing a new visualizing agent for the development of latent fingerprint by usingCarbon Powder on various non-porous & porous surface through the powdering method. Here we use candleflame to collect black carbon mass and turn it into powder which is used for obtaining latent fingerprints. By theapplication of these powder it is observed that it gives a clear ridge on various surfaces.

The importance of Merkel cells in the development of human fingerprints

Human Merkel cells (MCs) were first described by Friedrich S. Merkel in 1875 and named "Tastzellen" (touch cells). Merkel cells are mainly located in the basal layer of the epidermis and are concentrated in touch-sensitive areas. Their density varies among different anatomical sites. Increased concentration was observed in the palms of hands with a predominance in the finger pads and also in the soles and toes. They can be classified according to the function as mechanoreceptive, endocrine, and chemo-sensitive cells. In the development of primary ridges which establish the future fingerprint patterns is assumed that Merkel cells have a significant importance in this process. At about the 7th week EGA, they first time appear in the volar skin and start to occupy the place of future primary ridges at 10 weeks EGA. It will be interesting to study their presence or absence in individuals suffering with abnormal dermatoglyphics and also to study whether the skin diseases associated with altered dermatoglyphics display some deviation regarding the distribution and density of MCs in primary ridges (Fig. 2, Ref. 40). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: Merkel cells, development, primary ridges, fingerprints, CK-20.

Comparative study of rose and hibiscus petals powders in latent friction ridge analysis

Fingerprints are the friction ridges found on the fingers and palm of hands. These prints are considered the most valuable evidence in the court of law as these ridges provide uniqueness to every individual. Powder dusting is one of the prevalent approaches to developing fingerprints on various surfaces. This involves the application of finely formulated powders on the fingermark impression using a camel hair brush. in this article, we have used organic household waste materials like rose and hibiscus petals for developing the powders used in latent fingerprints development. The particle of powder gets adhered to sweat and moisture deposited on the surface of fingers, palm, and sole, which provide effective visualization and give the fingerprint details (minutiae). Finally, the formulation of the powder sticks to the ridges, and the excess powder is blown away. The powder is multicolored in this case, the patterns are apparent, resulting in an exceptional outcome. The objective of the study is to provide a replacement to the conventional, expensive and toxic laboratory powders. These organic powders are easily available, eco-friendly, cost-effective and non-toxic approach for latent fingerprint development and is a reliable technique to use at crime scene and future use.

Comparative Study between Activated Carbon and Charcoal for the Development of Latent Fingerprints on Nonporous Surfaces

For criminal investigations, fingerprints remain the most reliable form of personal identification despite developments in other fields like DNA profiling. The objective of this work is to compare the performance of both commercial charcoal and activated carbon powder derived from the Alhagi plant to reveal latent fingerprints from different non-porous surfaces (cardboard, plain glass, aluminum foil sheet, China Dish, Plastic, and Switch). The effect of three variables on activated carbon production was investigated. These variables were the impregnation ratio (the weight ratio of KOH: dried raw material), the activation temperature, and the activation time. The effect factors were investigated using Central Composite Design (CCD) software. The optimum activation conditions were found as an impregnation ratio of 1:2.6, activated time of 160 min, and temperature of 630oC. The results of the comparison show that Alhagi active carbon powder (AAC) has a high ability to develop latent fingerprints on all surfaces except on plastic surfaces while the commercial charcoal failed to develop the latent fingerprint on both plastic and aluminum foil sheets surfaces. AAC was found to clearly show every feature of the latent fingerprints more than commercial charcoal for both males and females. Also, AAC has the ability to show latent fingerprints till 15 days while commercial charcoal has the ability to show latent fingerprints just till 7 days.

RTX 훈증 기법을 이용한 담배에 형성된 잠재지문의 현출

Cigarette-related garbage can be easily found on anywhere, even at the crime scene. Cigarette evidence can provide DNA evidence and have been used in investigation for a long time. If very small amounts of DNA are detected or in a mixture with contaminants, it is hard to analysis DNA In this case, fingerprints can be conclusive evidence to identify suspects. However, when 1,2-indanedione (1,2-IND) was applied to cigarettes, the background was stained and made it difficult to identify ridges. Therefore, latent fingerprint development research is needed in such case, and when DNA analysis is difficult on cigarettes. In this study, 1,2-IND and Ruthenium tetroxide (RTX) were used to compare the development of latent fingerprints on cigarettes, which are porous surfaces. On the filter part of cigarettes, latent fingerprints were clearly developed on both 1,2-IND and RTX, but on the body part of cigarettes, 1,2-IND reacted with tobacco leaves and showed a fluorescence reaction on the background, making it difficult to identify the ridges of the fingerprints. On the other hand, when RTX was applied, clear ridges were appeared on the body part of cigarettes. In addition, the RTX did not leave many stains on the background. The 1,2-IND is currently the most effective latent fingerprint development technique on porous surfaces but it is estimated to react with amino acid components contained in a cigarette. Therefore, when there is a need to develop latent fingerprints on cigarettes, it is confirmed that RTX reagent is much more effective than 1,2-IND reagent.

잠재지문 연구를 위한 인공지문 캐스트 제작

Most of the fingerprints found at crime scenes are in latent fingerprint forms, and it is difficult to observe those fingerprints with the naked eye. Even if it is assumed that a latent fingerprint is remaining on an object, the method of developing the latent fingerprint differs depending on the surface type of the object. Therefore, a study must be performed by imprinting a latent fingerprint on an object, which is similar to the evidence found at a crime scene, to find an appropriate latent fingerprint development method. To do this, time and costs occur to recruit research participants, and these may cause disruption on arresting a suspect in a short time. Lothar Schwarz’s artificial latent fingerprint printing method, using an artificial sweat solution and an inkjet printer, can be used in a latent fingerprint research instead of using real human fingerprints. Although the major purpose of Schwarz’s method is to print out uniform fingerprint images on an A4 paper. Therefore, this approach has a limitation that it can only make imprints of fingerprints on thin and flexible materials such as copy papers and PVC films. To address this shortcoming, a Synthetic Fingerprint Generator(SFinGe, University of Bologna) computer program, a Printed Circuit Board(PCB) technique, and liquid latex are used to create an artificial fingerprint cast. With this new method, artificial latent fingerprint can be made on any surface types of material to find an appropriate latent fingerprint development method quickly during police investigations.

From nanomaterials to macromolecules: Innovative technologies for latent fingerprint development

AbstractThe majority of conventional techniques for latent fingerprint enhancement are based on chemical reactions or interactions between the developer and fingermark residue components, providing contrast between the surface and the fingerprint ridges. However, these methods might be limited by factors associated with particle size, toxicity of the reagent, selectivity, or sensitivity, that may be circumvented by the synthetic design of innovative materials based on nanoparticles or macromolecular materials, such as conducting polymers, applied as latent fingerprint developers on different surfaces and conditions. Since the structural, optical and electronic properties of the material can be tailored by its molecular scale, the size control of the developer plays an important role to improve the interaction with the latent fingermark residue and/or the surface, enhancing the color contrast and the quality of the developed image (or dactylogram). Hence, creating new reagents and strategies to apply nano‐ and macromolecular scale materials as latent fingermark developers constitutes an exciting rapidly expanding area, generating a wealth of new materials that lead to forensic methodologies with enhanced performance. Recent progress in the application of such materials for development of latent fingermarks present on different surfaces and subject to complex circumstances will be discussed. This will focus on the main barriers to making nanoparticles and conducting polymers viable—and occasionally preferred—materials routinely used by forensic experts, and the potential advantages over conventional methodologies in the acquisition and analysis of crime scene evidence.This article is categorized under: Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Trace Evidence Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Fingermarks and Other Marks Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Emerging Technologies and Methods