Use of stains to detect fingermarks

Abstract

Detection of fingermarks at a crime scene or on related items is of prime interest for forensic investigators, mainly for identification purposes. Most of the fingermarks are invisible to the naked eye, however. The application of detection techniques is required to establish visual contrast between the secretion residue and the underlying substrate. We give here a review of the field related to the concept of using stains to detect fingermarks. A distinction has been made between the physically driven classical detection techniques, the chemically driven ones, and those based on nanostructured materials, an emerging field in forensic science.

Advances in the development and component recognition of latent fingerprints

“…They secrete sebum, which consist of fatty acids, wax esters, and squalene [10]. Apocrine glands are found primarily in the genital, doi: 10.1007/s11426-014-5294-5 breast, inguinal and axillary regions, and thus play a minor role in fingerprint composition [6]. Therefore, fingerprint residue is composed mostly of eccrine sweat, as well as sebaceous secretions due to the contact of bare hands with faces or hair.…”

“…The principle of fingerprint development is to generate a distinct contrast between the secretion residue constituting the fingerprint pattern and the underlying substrate [6]. Because the success of this endeavor depends heavily on the chemicals within the fingerprint residue, precise knowledge about these components is particularly useful.…”

“…Because the success of this endeavor depends heavily on the chemicals within the fingerprint residue, precise knowledge about these components is particularly useful. The chemicals of LFPs mainly originate in the pores along the skin ridges through which human sweat is excreted [6,7]. There are three types of secretion glands distributed throughout the human body: eccrine, sebaceous, and apocrine [8,9].…”

Microscopic examination of fingermark residues: Opportunities for fundamental studies

“…Moreover, in order to improve the chances of detecting a mark, several techniques are typically applied in a sequence to successively target the various components present in the secretions. Dozens of detection techniques have been investigated and optimised to date [1,2]. Emerging technologies such as nanotechnology [3] and immunodetection techniques [4,5] have also been applied in the field, leading to the discovery of new, highly promising detection methods.…”

Detection of fingermarks by colloidal gold (MMD/SMD) – beyond the pH 3 limit

“…This chart is valid for MMD-I, MMD-II, and SMD, which differ in regards with the colloidal gold synthesis protocols or the metal used for the enhancement. Image source: [16]. Fig.…”