Researchers at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha, South Africa, have created a new type of fingerprint powder that improves image clarity and contrast.
(Photo: Unsplash/George Prentzas)
Innovations that will change the way fingerprints are read
This new substance, which comprises manganese-doped iron oxide nanoparticles covered with activated wool char, has the potential to improve forensic investigations significantly. Its unusual composition has the potential to transform the field of forensics. This paper is now out in Hybrid Advances.
Finding fingerprints is important in forensic science because they are used as proof in criminal investigations. In the old ways of finding fingerprints, carbon-based powders stick to the oil and wetness left behind by each fingertip. Then, these patterns are looked at very closely to match candidates.
The new powder that Bienvenu Gael Fouda-Mbanga's team made is better than the old ones. Metal-oxide nanoparticles are becoming more famous because they have a lot of surface area and can react chemically, which means they can strongly interact with fingerprint residues.
When coated with carbon, these nanoparticles produce pictures with more contrast, making fingerprints easier to study.
Fouda-Mbanga's team made the iron oxide nanoparticles using a safe chemical method for the environment. The nanoparticles were then covered with activated burned wool, a waste product from farming that makes them more stable. This method is safer than regular carbon-based powders because it doesn't react with chemicals.
Researchers tested their new powder by using fingerprints on a metal surface without holes to see how well it worked. They then used different electron imaging and light spectroscopic methods to take pictures of the remains. The images were very detailed, with resolution on the nanoscale level and much more contrast than with earlier powders.
READ ALSO: 'Microbe Fingerprint' Left in Clothing Can Serve as Tool for Forensic Investigations
Significant Development for Forensic Science
It was found that manganese-doped iron oxide nanoparticles mixed with activated wool char could be helpful in forensic studies. The material allows forensic specialists to inspect and match fingerprints more quickly since it highlights small characteristics and contrasts in fingerprint photographs. The move might make it easier to solve crimes.
The better coating material and eco-friendly production process eliminate the problems and risks associated with regular powders. That's right: The new powder does its job better, lasts longer, and keeps analysts safer. This new tool makes it much easier to find DNA fingerprints.
This study's success makes it possible to research and find more uses for nanoparticle-based materials in forensic science. Fouda-Mbanga's group is interested in expanding its creation process to cover a broader spectrum of materials used in forensics. The discoveries may lead to the creation of new approaches for locating biometrics and other forms of investigative work.
Finally, creating manganese-doped iron oxide nanoparticles covered in activated wool char is a big step forward in finding fingerprints in evidence. This new material could make crime investigations more accurate and faster by giving us clearer pictures with more details. Indeed, this new idea might help settle more cases and improve justice in the long run.
RELATED ARTICLE: Novel Forensic Technology Can Accurately Detect DNA in Small Amounts of Sample Even After 72 Hours
Check out more news and information on Forensics in Science Times.
