Development Of Latent Fingerprints Research Articles

Development of Latent Fingerprints on Wet, Non-Porous Surfaces by Small Particle Reagent with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Small particle reagent (SPR) technique is a method used for detecting latent fingerprints on wet, non-porous surfaces by suspending nanoparticles in a reagent that binds with fatty acid residues on fingerprints. The small particle reagent technique is particularly effective for detecting latent fingerprints on evidence that has been submerged underwater for prolonged periods. However, due to its reliance on imported reagents, SPR is often expensive and involves a lengthy waiting period. Consequently, many researchers have attempted to develop SPR formulations using easily obtainable, cost-effective, and safe chemicals. In this study, we prepared two new SPR formulations containing zinc oxide nanoparticles mixed with diethylene glycol monoethyl ether. Both formulations used a surfactant composed of two types (sodium tetradecyl sulfate and Tergitol NP-9) for the development of latent fingerprints on wet surfaces. Latent fingerprints were deposited on four different non-porous surfaces, including stainless-steel spoons, glass slides, aluminum foil, and plastic slides. These surfaces were immersed in tap water for 1, 3, 7, 14 and 30 days. The resulting latent fingerprints were analyzed using the Mini Automated Fingerprint Identification System and were shown to produce clear, sharp, and detailed fingerprints on the non-porous surfaces. The best results were found on the surfaces of stainless-steel spoons with both formulations, where minutiae were detectable at more than 40 points even after the surfaces had been immersed in water for up to 30 days. This study provides forensic scientists and crime scene investigators with a faster and safer method for developing latent fingerprints using non-hazardous materials, which could serve as an alternative to conventional formulations.

Full-Color Emissive Organosilicon-Coated Carbon Dots Microspheres for Latent Fingerprint Development with Level 3 Details

Full-Color Emissive Organosilicon-Coated Carbon Dots Microspheres for Latent Fingerprint Development with Level 3 Details

Development of latent fingerprints using food coloring agents

: The current study aims to explore the effectiveness of food dyes as potential agents for the formation of latent fingerprints on non-porous substrates.: The development of fingerprints is a long-established forensic technique crucial for identifying perpetrators. Traditional methods often use various powders to reveal latent fingerprints on different surfaces, but these methods can be costly and pose health risks when exposed to humans. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for alternative techniques that are cost-effective while still providing high-resolution fingerprint visibility.In this study Colormist Super whip food powder red, blue, orange, turquoise, and pink was used for Development of Latent fingerprints on different non-porous surfaces (CD, Mobile screen, Glass bottle, Mirror, Steel bottle). The ColorMist Super Whip edible powders proved successful in developing high-quality finger marks with visible level 1 and level 2 fingerprint details across all substrates, showcasing its effectiveness in latent fingerprint enhancement. Food dyes provide a simple, cost-effective, and eco-friendly method for developing latent fingerprints on nonporous surfaces. Red and black dyes consistently deliver clear ridge detail, while turquoise performs well on glass. Surface type plays a crucial role in dye effectiveness; making food dyes a practical, non-invasive alternative for on-site forensic use.

Development of Latent Fingerprints Using Food Coloring Agents

Aim and objective: The current study aims to explore the effectiveness of food dyes as potential agents for the formation of latent fingerprints on non-porous substrates. Introduction: The development of fingerprints is a long-established forensic technique crucial for identifying perpetrators. Traditional methods often use various powders to reveal latent fingerprints on different surfaces, but these methods can be costly and pose health risks when exposed to humans. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for alternative techniques that are cost-effective while still providing high-resolution fingerprint visibility. Materials and methods: In this study, Colormist Super whip food powder red, blue, orange, turquoise, and pink was used for the Development of Latent fingerprints on different non-porous surfaces (CD, Mobile screen, Glass bottle, Mirror, Steel bottle). Results: The ColorMist Super Whip edible powders proved successful in developing high-quality finger marks with visible level 1 and level 2 fingerprint details across all substrates, showcasing its effectiveness in latent fingerprint enhancement. Conclusion: Food dyes provide a simple, cost-effective, and eco-friendly method for developing latent fingerprints on nonporous surfaces. Red and black dyes consistently deliver clear ridge detail, while turquoise performs well on glass. Surface type plays a crucial role in dye effectiveness; making food dyes a practical, non-invasive alternative for on-site forensic use.

Synthesis and application of Ho³⁺ doped BaGd₂ZnO₅ nanophosphors for enhanced latent fingerprint development and poroscopy

In this study, Ho³⁺-doped BaGd₂ZnO₅ (1–11 mol%) nanophosphors (BGZO:Ho3+ NPs) were synthesized through combustion synthesis, utilizing Spirulina leaf extract as a natural green fuel. Luminescence studies revealed that the BGZO:Ho³⁺ phosphors exhibit a strong green emission primarily resulting from the 5S2→5I8 transition of Ho³⁺ ions. The optimal doping concentration was found to be 7 mol % Ho³⁺, which yielded the highest luminescence efficiency. Furthermore, the CIE chromaticity coordinates for BGZO:7Ho³⁺ were accurately determined to be (0.2595, 0.7290), with a color purity (CP) of 99.98 %. These results indicate the potential of this material for producing high-quality green emissions suitable for solid-state lighting and display applications. Optimized BGZO:Ho3+ NPs were utilized for latent fingerprints (LFPs) development via the powder dusting method. Under 365 nm UV light, the NPs effectively revealed Level I-III fingerprints (FPs) details, including ridge patterns, minutiae, and sweat pore features, on various substrates such as glass, plastic, and metal. The high luminescence of BGZO:Ho3+ NPs under UV illumination offers a sensitive and non-destructive method for enhancing FPs visibility, making it a promising tool for forensic applications. In addition, this study focuses on FPs poroscopy, examining the detailed pore structure of LFPs for forensic identification. Using advanced imaging techniques, we analyzed sweat pore distribution, size, and shape across various substrates and conditions. A detailed poroscopic analysis of LFPs, focusing on key parameters such as pore interspacing (165–332 μm), pore size (4140–9956 μm2), shapes (elliptical, rhomboid, triangular, square and rectangular) and pore angle (167°–179°). Further, a mathematical model was developed using Python-based software to enable precise and accurate analysis of FPs, enhancing clarity and identification accuracy, supporting the uniqueness of FPs beyond ridge patterns. The results demonstrate the potential of poroscopy for enhancing FPs analysis by offering an additional layer of precise biometric data.

Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles for Forensic Applications: A Comprehensive Review on Latent Fingerprint Development

Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles for Forensic Applications: A Comprehensive Review on Latent Fingerprint Development

Synthesis, optical properties, and applications of Eu3+, Na+-doped high-color-purity Sr3MgNb2O9 red phosphors for w-LEDs and the detection of latent fingerprints

A series of novel phosphors, doping Eu3+ and Na+ ions in the Sr3MgNb2O9 (SMNO) crystal lattice (SMNO:xEu3+, xNa+, x = 0.5–30 mol%), was successfully synthesized through high-temperature solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and Rietveld refinement confirmed the successful synthesis of SMNO:Eu3+, Na+. The phosphor belongs to the hexagonal crystal system and the P3¯m1 (No.164) space group. The bandgap energy of SMNO was calculated with Materials Studio and measured with the use of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The excitation spectrum of SMNO:Eu3+, Na+ displays multiple narrow absorption peaks in the violet-blue region as well as a charge transfer band (CTB) near 300 nm, exhibiting the highest peak at 394 nm. Four distinct characteristic peaks are observed in the emission spectrum of SMNO:Eu3+, Na+. Notably, the peak at 601 nm shows the highest emission intensity due to the radiative transition from 5D0→7F2. By varying doping concentrations, it was determined that an optimal concentration of 5 mol%Eu3+ resulted in phosphors, with high color purity exceeding 99 %. Concentration quenching is attributed to the nearest neighbor ions interaction. Furthermore, SMNO:Eu3+, Na+ exhibited good stability in 300–480 K, with luminescent intensity remaining 68.6 % at 420 K and 54.4 % at 480 K compared to room temperature (300 K). The internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of SMNO:5%Eu3+, 5 %Na+ is 65.0 %. Both red and white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were prepared using SMNO:Eu3+, Na+. The chromaticity coordinates of w-LED were measured as (0.357, 0.376), correlating to a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 4685 K and exhibiting a good color rendering index (CRI, Ra = 88). Additionally, the latent fingerprint (LFP) development demonstrated clear visualization of Levels I-III characteristic structures of fingerprints when utilizing SMNO:Eu3+, Na+. These findings suggest promising applications for SMNO:Eu3+, Na+ in w-LED lighting and LFP development.

Development of Latent Fingerprints by Nanomaterial: An Update

Abstract With the development of science and technology, forensics has become a more attractive scientific subject to study, and the field of nanoforensic research has seen a lot of interest in nanomaterials. Fingerprints are crucial pieces of evidence at each crime scene, and future fingerprint investigations could greatly benefit from nano-based procedures. In terms of tangible evidence for proving a person’s identity, fingerprints have historically been and now are considered to be the most valuable sort. The prints left behind at a crime scene are typically latent (invisible) fingerprints; therefore, the distinctive ridge details of fingerprints can be obtained by coating various object surfaces with various nanoparticles, with gold being the most popular choice. These nanoparticles include silver, zinc oxide, silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, gold, carbon, and silica. Latent fingerprints can be made better and more stable using nanoparticles. This review study concentrates on the employment of various nanomaterials in the creation and identification of latent fingerprints as a consequence.

Exploring sustainable forensics: silica nanoparticle powder derived from rice husk waste for aged fingermark development and the chemistry of surface interactions

BackgroundPowder-based fingermark ridge visibility enhancement is a common technique employed in crime scenes due to ease of application and robustness of the application method. Pigmented powders created a contrast between the surfaces and developed ridgelines and are generally metals or metal oxides based. Previous research showed the successful development of fresh latent fingermarks using rice husk-derived silica nanoparticles on various surfaces. Nevertheless, there has been less previous evidence for the efficiency of the silica nanoparticle powder on aged fingermark development. Therefore, the aim here is to investigate the efficacy of the powder on aged fingermarks relative to commercial formulation to gauge the feasibility of having naturally derived powder as a possible alternative for field application and commercialisation.ResultsRigorous testing over a range of non- and semi-porous surfaces at varied ageing conditions revealed a minimal disparity in the performance of both powders on most surfaces. Still, silica nanoparticles exhibited superiority in terms of selectivity on silica-based surfaces. Close up analysis of developed fingermarks using electron microscope exposed clear demarcation between fingermark ridges and valleys using silica nanoparticles.ConclusionsFindings revealed that the interaction chemistry between powder particles and surface material either enhances or lowers the fingermark development capacity depending on the type of surface tested.

The effectiveness of natural indigo/kaolinite composite powder in the development of latent fingermarks

BackgroundComposites are materials that have multiple phases and have attracted much attention as they are able to improve physical and chemical properties of an isolated material. In this sense, these composites are commonly used as key components for two purposes: coloring and improving the operational properties; besides that, they have alternative synthesis routes that respect the principles of green chemistry. Thus, this reports the development of a new composite using natural products, indigo and kaolinite, for application in papilloscopy as a new nontoxic fingermark developer.ResultsThe composite was obtained via green procedures and was characterized by spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques. Thus, to investigate the potential of the material as a fingermark developer, different techniques were applied such as depletion, aging, comparison with commercial powder, and development of latent fingermarks on different surfaces. Tests revealed that the composite presented good contrast and adhesion with the latent fingermarks, even after 15 days of deposition.ConclusionsThis study presents a natural indigo/kaolinite composite powder that showed similar or higher efficiency when compared to the commercial fingerprint powder and was able to develop identifiable natural and sebaceous fingermarks.Key points• A composite was formed from eco-friendly materials.• The composite formation follows the concepts of green chemistry and low cost.•The composite was applied as a latent fingermark developer.

Non-destructive and simultaneous development and enhancement of latent fingerprints on stainless steel based on the electrochromic effect of electrodeposited manganese oxides

Latent fingerprints, as one of the most frequently encountered traces in crime scene investigation and also one of the largest sources of forensic evidence, can play a critical role in determining the identity of a person who may be involved in a crime. Due to the invisible characteristic of latent fingerprints, exploring efficient techniques to visualize them (especially the ones resided on metallic surfaces) while retain the biological and chemical information (e.g., touch DNA) has become a multidisciplinary research focus. Herein we reported a new and highly sensitive electrochemical interfacial strategy of simultaneously developing and enhancing latent fingerprints on stainless steel based on synchronous electrodeposition and electrochromism of manganese oxides in a neutral aqueous electrolyte. By utilizing a specially designed device for electrochemical testing and image capture, a series of electrochemical measurements, physical characterization and image analysis have been applied to evaluate the feasibility, development accuracy and enhancement efficacy of the proposed electrochemical system. The qualitative and quantitative analysis on the in situ and ex situ fingerprint images indicates that the three levels of fingerprint features can be precisely developed and effectively enhanced. Forensic DNA typing has also been performed to reveal actual impact of the proposed electrochemical system on subsequent analysis of touch DNA in fingerprint residues. The ratio of detected loci after electrochemical treatment reaches up to 98.5 %, showing non-destructive nature of this fingerprint development and enhancement technique.

Optimization of crystal violet technique for enhanced fingerprint detection on various surfaces.

The crystal violet (CV) staining technique represents a prevalent approach for the development of latent fingerprints, especially on adhesive tape surfaces. Nevertheless, the technique necessitates intricate formulations to augment its performance. In this investigation, an optimized CV staining protocol was developed, characterized by the absence of residual dye on the target substrates and the capability of facilitating fingerprint visualization under ambient light conditions. Four donors, comprising two males and two females, deposited natural fingerprints on various substrates, including glass microscope slides, aluminum foil, and 115 g glossy coated paper, without any specific guidelines. Fingerprints developed using cyanoacrylate fuming served as benchmarks and were contrasted with those generated through alternative methods: CV, ardrox, rhodamine 6G, powdering, and the optimized CV staining protocol. The fingerprint development experiment was replicated at seven distinct time intervals, encompassing 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, resulting in a dataset of 420 fingerprints. The evaluation of fingerprint identifiability employed a scoring system established by the Home Office Centre for Applied Science and Technology. The results indicated that the optimized CV staining technique demonstrated superior performance, boasting a 92.9% rate of identifiable fingerprint development in contrast to other employed methodologies. Consequently, this optimized CV staining approach is recommended as an efficient, rapid, and straightforward critical dyeing method, applicable to a wide array of substrates in forensic investigations.

A Review of Latent Fingerprint Developed Powder from using Natural Materials

The fingerprint development technique is one of the oldest methods used in forensic science and is a common method of identifying perpetrators. [1] Different powder methods have been accounted for the development of latent fingerprints on various surfaces in the literature, such as lead, titanium oxide, Rhodamine B dye etc., all powders mentioned had been used for the development of latent fingerprints. Some of these methods using powders when exposed to humans, may lead to health problems, and also these methods are expensive in nature [2]. Various fingerprint powder preparations used for fingerprints have a color or contrast and a sticky material for good adhesion [3]. The goal of this review is to compile the research works done by various experts to identify commonly available, everyday materials as fingerprint powders such materials from various categories such as food powders, plant materials, minerals, cosmetics, carbon-based materials, and miscellaneous powders [1]. The powder method is a quick and easy approach to the development of latent fingerprints on porous and nonporous surface [4]. proposing a new powder method, which is simple, nontoxic to human health, cheap in nature, and as well can be utilized for the development of latent fingerprints on various contrast surfaces [2].

Development of Latent Fingerprints on Various Surfaces- A Review

Development of Latent Fingerprints on Various Surfaces- A Review

Potential of Y2Sn2O7:Eu3+, Dy3+ Inorganic Nanophosphors in Latent Fingermark Detection

In this work, we investigated the potential of Eu3+/Dy3+-codoped Y2Sn2O7 fluorescent nanophosphors to visualize latent fingermarks. We prepared these nanophosphors with various doping concentrations by the conventional coprecipitation reaction. The crystal structure, morphology, luminescence properties, and energy transfer mechanisms were studied. The crystalline phase was characterized by X-ray diffraction and crystal structure refinement using the Rietveld method. XRD measurements showed that the samples crystallized in the pure single pyrochlore phase with few more peaks originated from secondary phases and impurities generated during phosphor production, and that Eu3+ ions occupied D3d symmetry sites. The average crystallite size after mechanical grinding was less than 100 nm for all compositions. The optical characterization showed that, when excited under 532 nm, the Eu3+/Dy3+-codoped Y2Sn2O7 samples’ main intense emission peaks were located at 580–707 nm, corresponding to the 5D0→7Fj (j = l, 2, 3, and 4) transitions of europium. In fact, the 5D0→7F2 hypersensitive transition is strongly dependent on the local environment and was quite weak in Eu3+:Y2Sn2O7 at low Eu3+ doping levels. We found that the presence of Dy3+ as a codopant permitted enhancing the emission from this transition. The calculated PL CIE coordinates for the synthesized nanophosphors were very close to those of the reddish-orange region and only slightly dependent on the doping level. Various surfaces, including difficult ones (wood and ceramic), were successfully tested for latent fingerprint development with the prepared Eu3+/Dy3+-codoped Y2Sn2O7 fluorescent nanophosphor powder. Thanks to the high contrast obtained, fingerprint ridge patterns at all three levels were highlighted: core (level 1) islands, bifurcation, and enclosure (level 2), and even sweat pores (level 3).

Ultra-bright green emitting Sr2MgSi2O7:Tb3+ nanophosphors: unveiling multi-security applications in anti-counterfeiting, flexible films, optical thermometry and latent fingerprint visualization

In this study, we synthesized facile green-emitting Sr2MgSi2O7:Tb3+ (1–11 mol %) nanophosphors (SMSO:Tb3+ NPs) using a solid-state reaction method. Characterization through X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed a tetragonal crystal structure in the as-synthesized SMSO:Tb3+ NPs. Crystallographic data obtained from Rietveld refinements identified the specific sites of Tb3+ ions in the host material. Chemical and photo-luminescent properties are explored using X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS) and Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, respectively. The NPs exhibited vibrant green emission at 547 nm, attributed to the Tb3+ ions' 5D4→7F5 transition, with a high quantum yield of 63.10 %. Optimal doping concentration is determined as 7 mol % (SMSO:7 Tb3+), overcoming concentration quenching primarily due to dipole-dipole (d-d) interaction. Impressively, SMSO:7 Tb3+ NPs demonstrated a correlated colour temperature (CCT) of 5549 K, colour purity (CP) of 91.60 %, and excellent colour stability. These phosphors are effectively applied in latent fingerprints (LFPs) development, revealing distinct ridge features useful for personal identification. Additionally, SMSO:7 Tb3+ NPs, combined with soluble PVA, are used to create a transparent anti-counterfeiting (AC) film, exhibiting intense green emission under UV 365 nm light. Notably, the film flexibility, durability, and foldability enhance its applicability in AC techniques. This study showcases SMSO:Tb3+ NPs as versatile luminous platforms with applications in flexible displays, high-colour quality lighting, fingerprint (FP) visualization, and anti-counterfeiting.

Multi‐Purpose Fluorescent Powder: Development of Latent Fingerprints and Glove Prints

AbstractA novel hydroxy benzothiazole based yellow fluorescent powder (labelled as 2‐SiO2) was prepared by adsorption of 2 on silica (4 % w/w) for visualization of latent fingerprints (LFPs) and glove prints using powder dusting method. The solid‐state spectrum of 2‐SiO2 shows emission peak at 550 nm with CIE‐1931 coordinates ( ) of 0.42, 0.50 and yellow colour purity is 58.6 %. The high fluorescence of 2 in the solid‐state could be attributed to AIE+ESIPT features. Due to high fluorescence of 2‐SiO2 (4 % w/w) powder, fluorescence imaging of LFPs on a variety of porous and non‐porous substrates including glove prints, up to levels 1–3, without any post‐treatment has been achieved. The 2‐SiO2 showed strong interaction with D‐Glucose, urea and lactate components present in sweat. The practical applications of 2‐SiO2 powder have been demonstrated by analysis of LFPs, development of LFPs at different temperatures; aged, stained fingerprints and preservation of developed fingerprints for documentation purposes.

Role of doped ZnO variants for the development of latent fingerprint

Here we are presenting a promising approach for the green synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials by using lemon grass with minimal environmental impact. The fabricated zinc oxide (ZnO) doped with different dyes ranging from 25 −100 nm were applied to read the minutiae points of finger prints that can lead for person identification. In this model project, we doped different dyes on ZnO and used for the development of latent finger prints on different surfaces and at time duration (1 h to 24 h). The linkage between nanomaterials and fingerprint residues is among oxide group and amine group. We presented that these designed materials have the ability to develop fingerprints on variety of substrates. We displayed that with the passing of time the chroma index and intensity reduce but still at 24 h we can read the minutiae details. This research opens a new era to enhance and quantifying contrast between surface and applied material.

A strategy for the enhanced development of latent fingermarks with minimally destructive to DNA based on fluorescence Eu-Tb metal–organic framework

Fingermarks identification have always been the most effective and reliable way for individuals determination among the forensic science. The fingermarks at the scene of the case as the valuable physical evidence to analyze the trajectory of criminal behavior and portray the characteristics of the suspect play an irreplaceable role in the process of investigation. To reach its pivotal biometric individualization, the luminescent metal–organic framework (Eu@Tb-LL) was prepared via a simple optimized solvothermal method for visualizing the latent fingermarks with minimally destructive to DNA in this work. Eu@Tb-LL exhibited ideal optical stability and fluorescence intensity at the wavelength of 530 and 620 nm during revealing latent fingermarks. Meanwhile, Eu@Tb-LL is more effective than indandione (commonly used in the site investigation) in revealing aged fingermarks. More significantly, the Eu@Tb-LL superimposed on commercial manifestation reagents (Hfb) enhanced the effect of Hfb for revealing blood latent fingermarks on the non-porous objects. In addition, the STR testing results performed after the visualization process proved the Eu@Tb-LL was minimally destructive to DNA with a confidence interval of 95 %, exhibiting promising prospects for practical criminal investigation applications.

Development of Latent Fingerprints on Different Types of Gloves by Using Physical and Chemical Methods

Fingerprints are a foundation of forensic evidence collected at crime scenes. But what if the perpetrator tries to be clever and wear gloves? Does this automatically mean no fingerprints will be found? Not quite. Latex gloves abandoned at crime scenes can be potential evidence that leaves the perpetrator's hidden fingerprints behind. However, despite their potential, gloves have proven to be a tricky surface for fingerprint development. This study explores the possibility of extracting fingerprints from gloves left behind by criminals. Sweat residues, dirt, and tiny particles trapped on the glove's inner surface can transfer a latent fingerprint, even if it's smudged. This smudged print can still hold valuable clues about the perpetrator. The study aims to observe the effectiveness of fingerprint development on various glove materials: latex, nitrile, cotton, plastic, and silicone. For this, a range of physical and chemical techniques were employed to reveal these hidden prints. Specialized chemicals like ninhydrin, iodine fuming, silver nitrate, Sudan black, and gentian violet were used to make the latent prints visible. Noninvasive approaches like fingerprint powders were also used to develop latent prints on the surface of gloves. This research highlights the ingenuity of forensic science in uncovering evidence even when criminals attempt to mask their identities.