Luminescence detection of latent fingermarks on non-porous surfaces with heavy-metal-free quantum dots

Abstract

Current and proposed nanoparticle-based techniques for development of latent fingermarks suffer a number of drawbacks such as complicated, multi-step and time-consuming procedures, batch-to-batch variability, expensive reagents, large background noise and toxicity. Here, we introduce a promising green development technique based on heavy-metal-free quantum dots (QD) for the detection of latent fingermarks on non-porous surfaces. Red-near infrared luminescent Cu-In-S/ZnS core-shell QDs solution was produced in large scales using a water-based, simple and fast method using N-acetyl-cysteine as a biocompatible surfactant to coat the particles. The coated QDs were applied to the successful development of latent fingermarks deposited on a variety of surfaces, including highly patterned polymer banknotes and the sticky side of adhesive tape. File list (3) download file view on ChemRxiv CIS-ZS-Submission_V3.pdf (3.45 MiB) download file view on ChemRxiv CIS-ZS-graphicalabstract.png (276.91 KiB) download file view on ChemRxiv CIS-ZS-Submission_V3_ESI.pdf (4.29 MiB)

Eu-Doped Pyrochlore Crystal Nano-Powders as Fluorescent Solid for Fingerprint Visualization and for Anti-Counterfeiting Applications

“…For this reason, the quest for new materials that can enable the efficient visualization of LFPs is still lively. For example, quantum dots have been proposed as fluorescent powders [ 12 ]. They show a good contrast, high selectivity, and sensitivity, but they have relatively high toxicity levels.…”

Interpol review of fingermarks and other body impressions (2019 – 2022)

“…Preliminary/Pilot studies – Several NPs were proposed to be applied in solution to detect fingermarks on various substrates: BSA-functionalized fluorescent NPs dispersed in poly(vinyl alcohol) [ 345 ], carbon nanotubes functionalized with C. Rugosa lipase [ [346] , [347] , [348] ], carbon QDs-soaked membranes [ 349 ], citrate-capped lanthanide-doped upconversion NPs [ 350 ], dye-doped PEG-based micelles [ 351 ], fluorescent aptamer-functionalized covalent organic framework hydrogels [ 352 ], fluorescent carbon NPs [ 353 ], lysozyme-specific aptamer-coated gold NPs followed by adhesive transfer and chemical imaging [ 216 ], 3-mercaptopropionic-acid-capped cadmium-based NPs and nanorods [ 354 ], NIR-emitting core-shell QDs [ 355 ], perovskite nanocrystals [ 356 ], QD-doped MOF and silver nanocluster nanohybrids [ 357 ], R6G-doped gold-palladium core-shell nanorods [ 358 ], silica NPs to detect bloody fingermarks [ 359 ], silver NPs [ 360 , 361 ], SMD II combined with chemical imaging [ 220 ], transfer on polyamide-based nanofibrous membrane combined with cadmium-based QDs [ 362 ]. Note: most of these preliminary/pilot studies relying on limited sample sets (e.g., one donor, few depositions, sebum-rich secretions, fresh fingermarks), an overestimation of the reported performances is expected.…”

From nanomaterials to macromolecules: Innovative technologies for latent fingerprint development

“…One of most promising strategies for QD preparation for latent fingermark development is the core@shell approach, as can be demonstrated by Shahbazi et al (2020), who have reported the preparation of heavy metal‐free QDs based on ternary metal complex chalcogenide (Cu–In–S/ZnS) core–shell for detection of latent fingermarks on nonporous surfaces. This material presented low toxicity and exhibited strong and broad absorption of ultraviolet (UV) and visible light, intense photoemission and reasonable stability under photoexcitation.…”

“…Most of the nanomaterials represented in the CIE 1931 diagram are blue or green emitters, which can result in low contrast on certain surfaces such as paper, plastic or glass, due to background fluorescence interference. Strategies to improve the quality of the developed fingermark image include use of nanoparticles that exhibit red emission (Chen et al, 2017; Dong et al, 2020; Niu et al, 2021; Shahbazi et al, 2020), that can be excited by infrared light (UCNM), that permit tunable emission (multicolor luminescence) (Xu et al, 2019) or that show phosphorescence (Feng et al, 2022).…”