Luminophores to visualise fingerprints
The use of forensic illumination sources and suitable fluorophores can replace conventional powder treatments by providing the opportunity to spot and collect FPs on a wide range of surfaces.
Fingerprints have been established as legitimate and critical forensic science evidence for identifying criminals beginning as early as the twentieth century. A new details the different types of fingerprints, the broad range of surfaces, and various development techniques available for on-site latent fingerprint collection, with fingerprint fidelity being of prime significance. Fluorescent imaging of latent finger-marks benefits from enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and reduced reliance on instruments.
Inexpensive luminophores
The review focuses on the topical developments reported on small-molecule organic fluorophores which could be used to develop latent prints through powder, solution, and fuming approaches. These inexpensive luminophores extend wide emission profiles that span the visible spectrum to visualise the latent prints with exceptional resolution, free from any interference originating from the background surface. Further, the critical challenges and prospective scope for future research developments to improve the detection of latent fingerprints using small-molecule fluorophores are also discussed.
The review has been published in Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, Volume 22, pages 149–169, (2025).
