![Fingerprint ridge pattern of WLC-Mn-Fe2O3 nanocomposite powder obtained on aluminum foil in daylight. Source: Hybrid Power Generation (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.hybadv.2023.100122 Improved fingerprint recognition with carbon-coated nanoparticles](https://scx1.b-cdn.net/csz/news/800a/2024/improving-fingerprint.jpg)
Fingerprint ridge pattern of WLC-Mn-Fe2othree Nanocomposite powder obtained on aluminum foil in sunlight. Credit Transactions: hybrid power generation (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.hybadv.2023.100122
Fingerprint detection is one of the most important techniques in forensic investigations. Sprinkling a carbon-based powder on a fingerprint causes the substance to stick to the moisture and oils left behind by the distinctive ridges and valleys of the offender's fingertips. The resulting patterns can then be analyzed under a microscope and compared to the suspect's fingerprints.
Researchers led by Bienvenu Gael Fouda-Mbanga of Nelson Mandela University in Gzeberha, South Africa, have discovered a new type of powder that dusts off fingerprints. This allowed nano-level details to be imaged more clearly while deepening the contrast between ridges and valleys. This work is currently published by: hybrid power generation.
This new material, made from manganese-doped iron oxide nanoparticles and coated with activated wool charcoal, could help forensic investigators solve crimes more easily.
Recently, metal oxide nanoparticles have become increasingly popular for fingerprint recognition. Not only are they easy to produce, but their high surface area and chemical reactivity allow them to interact strongly with compounds contained in fingerprint residues.
When coated with carbon, these nanoparticles create deeper contrast in fingerprint images, making them much easier to analyze.
In the study, Fouda-Mbanga's team used a low-cost, environmentally friendly “hydrothermal” method to prepare iron oxide nanoparticles. The particles were then coated with activated carbonized wool. This widely used agricultural waste product is chemically inert, making it safer to use than traditional carbon-based powders and also improving the stability of the more reactive nanoparticles.
To investigate the powder's performance, the researchers used it to dust off fingerprint residue from non-porous aluminum surfaces. They then took images using different types of electron microscopes and optical spectrometers.
The images they produced were incredibly promising, revealing details down to nanoscale resolution while showing sharper contrast than many types of powders tested in previous studies. Following this success, Fouda-Mbanga's team now hopes that their approach to nanoparticle manufacturing will soon be applicable more broadly to forensic investigations.
Additional information:
BG Fouda-Mbanga et al., Nanostructure of WLC-H.threelater4-MnFe2othree Nanocomposites for latent fingerprint detection, hybrid power generation (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.hybadv.2023.100122
Summons: Improving fingerprint detection using carbon-coated nanoparticles (June 17, 2024) Retrieved June 17, 2024, from https://phys.org/news/2024-06-fingerprint-carbon-coated-nanoparticles.html
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