Issue 22, 2023

Solvent-free strategies for developing latent fingermarks on paper: a review

Abstract

With growing environmental concern and supply chain uncertainty, now is a fitting time to re-evaluate solvent-free methodologies in forensic chemistry processes. Here, this paper reviews solvent-free approaches for fingermark visualisation, including chemical fuming and vapour phase treatments, dry-transfer treatments, application of heat, and thermal paper specific treatments. After providing historical context, three objectives have been emphasised: identify feasible scenarios for implementing solvent-free methods; showcase the effectiveness of solvent-free methods relative to their nearest solution-based equivalent; and estimate the technological readiness level of each method discussed. Having reviewed the literature, dry-transfer methods of developing latent fingermarks on paper were found to be the most promising and feasible solvent-free approaches for near-term implementation. Such methods make use of standard materials and equipment commonly found in forensic laboratories, are effective at fingermark visualisation, and mitigate most of the pressing issues pertaining to environmental concern and solvent scarcity.

Graphical abstract: Solvent-free strategies for developing latent fingermarks on paper: a review

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
03 jul 2023
Accepted
08 set 2023
First published
25 set 2023

Analyst, 2023,148, 5547-5563

Solvent-free strategies for developing latent fingermarks on paper: a review

K. T. Clarke, S. L. Cresswell and W. J. Gee, Analyst, 2023, 148, 5547 DOI: 10.1039/D3AN01112G

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements