A review on the advancements in chemical examination of composition of latent fingerprint residues

Abstract

Background There are notable developments in the field of DNA analysis and recognition, still fingerprint analysis remains the most preferred approach for obtaining substantial forensic evidences. The identification of individuals through pattern comparison has been used through ages, but it becomes less effective when the pattern is blurred, partial in nature or not found in database. Thus, recent advances in analytical techniques over the last decade will provide additional information to the evidence. In the view of forensic investigations, the compilation of individual chemical profiles with the pattern would enhance the evidentiary value of the latent fingerprints. Main body The review has been divided into different parts, describing the various influencing factors which affect the chemical composition of a fingerprint, i.e., lifestyle and occupation, age of an individual, types of substrate on which fingerprint is deposited, environmental conditions, contaminants, and the various advanced instrumental techniques utilized till now in the detection of chemical constituents of fingerprint have been discussed. Conclusion The present work aims to enlighten the missing gaps of knowledge in elucidating the detailed chemical composition of fingerprints and highlight the various analytical techniques used till date. Though, there are several analytical techniques employed till date to explicate the constituents of fingerprints, detailed information is still lacking. Therefore, advanced future research is need of the hour for identification of the fingerprints and determining their aging kinetics.

Innovative Vibrational Spectroscopy Research for Forensic Application

“…The review by Khare et al discussed how the chemical composition of FMs is affected by various factors, such as lifestyle, occupation, age, substrate types, environmental conditions, and contaminants. 255 Finally, the paper by Chen et al summarized the recent advancements in methodology toward FM age determination. 256 They discussed the vibrational spectroscopy techniques: FTIR, ATR-FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, TLC combined with florescence spectroscopy, and UV−vis-HSI.…”

“…They discussed that the primary advantage of utilizing spectroscopy over chemical techniques is the ability to provide a holistic view of the sample without the need to alter the sample. The review by Khare et al discussed how the chemical composition of FMs is affected by various factors, such as lifestyle, occupation, age, substrate types, environmental conditions, and contaminants . Finally, the paper by Chen et al summarized the recent advancements in methodology toward FM age determination .…”

Characterization of Bixin by UV-Visible Spectroscopy and HPLC, and Its Application as Latent Fingermark Developer

“…In the field of forensic sciences, fingerprints are rooted in Locard's exchange principle, which states that every contact between two objects results in a transfer of traces between them. Thus, the contact of a fingerprint facilitates the transfer of materials from the papillary ridges of the fingers to the surface during this interaction [2]. In criminal investigations, fingerprints take the form of physical evidence as the residue left by the fingermark can preserve exogenous compounds such as drugs, explosives, and chemicals.…”

Recovery and Visualisation of Methamphetamine-Contaminated Fingermarks from Non-Porous Surfaces

“…In real case scenarios, a latent fingermark might not exist in a clean or perfect form but could possibly be contaminated by exogenous substances, such as trace level of drug substances, cosmetic products, explosive materials, or gunshot residues (6,7). The presence of these exogenous substances together with the primary fingermark residues might affect the recovery and quality level of developed fingermarks, and subsequently the interpretation of such evidence in relation to the case scenarios (6).…”