Enhancement of latent fingermarks on non-porous surfaces using anti-l-amino acidantibodies conjugated to gold nanoparticles

Abstract

Enantioselective anti-L-amino acid antibodies conjugated to gold nanoparticles are shown to facilitate the detection of latent fingermarks by interacting with amino acids present in friction ridge secretions. This antibody-based system is particularly effective for the enhancement of aged and dried fingermarks on non-porous surfaces, an area unexploited by current techniques.

Advances in the development and component recognition of latent fingerprints

“…Spindler et al [32] have shown that gold NPs conjugated with anti-L-amino acid antibodies can visualize LFPs on non-porous surfaces. Using dermcidin as the antigen of interest, van Dam et al [70] investigated the compatibility of immunolabeling with two commonly used fingerprint visualization techniques: magnetic powdering and ninhydrin staining.…”

“…(i) The improvement of enhancement techniques for exploiting more portable and efficient manners; and (ii) the development of component recognition for elucidating advanced knowledge about fingerprint composition, such as gender [31], diet [32], the presence of human metabolites with diagnostic values [33] and the evidence of contact with explosives or illicit drugs [34].…”

Selective targeting of fingermarks using immunogenic techniques

“…In work by Spindler et al 36 , the use of antibodies conjugated to gold nanoparticles was examined as an immunogenic technique targeting amino acids within latent fingermarks. In this work, anti-L-amino acid antibodies were conjugated to 16 nm diameter gold nanoparticles by either direct electrostatic adsorption or through covalent amide bond formation to a thioether 36 .…”

“…In this work, anti-L-amino acid antibodies were conjugated to 16 nm diameter gold nanoparticles by either direct electrostatic adsorption or through covalent amide bond formation to a thioether 36 . These conjugates were dispersed in a water-acetone mixture before being applied to latent fingermarks placed on non-porous substrates.…”

Microscopic examination of fingermark residues: Opportunities for fundamental studies

“…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. But, despite the numerous available options and current endeavours to find increasingly more effective methods, a general lack of sensitivity and specificity has been noted.…”