Abstract

In recent years there has been a unique twist in fingermark research which has involved the implementation of nanotechnology into the structure, function and design of novel fingermark detection reagents. This is primarily because it is now well known that nanomaterials afford novel physical and electronic behaviour. To this end it is possible to provide an entirely new approach for improved latent fingermark detection by using nanoscale dye- functionalized nanoparticles and intrinsically luminescent nanocrystals (quantum dots) which can provide not only improved contrast but a higher degree of functionality than conventional materials. This review highlights the most recent developments in the use of luminescent nanocrystals and non-luminescent nanoparticles for fingermark analysis.

Keywords: Fingermark, fingerprint, forensic science, nanocrystal, nanoparticle, nanotechnology, quantum dot, luminescent nanocrystals, non-luminescent nanoparticles