The document discusses the advancements in nanotechnology for fingerprint detection, focusing on the use of nanoparticles, which range from 1 to 100 nm in size, in developing latent fingerprints. It outlines the evolution of various nanoparticles such as silver, gold, and zinc oxide and their applications in forensic science to enhance fingerprint visibility on different surfaces. Additionally, it compares the merits and demerits of these materials while explaining the mechanisms of functionalized nanoparticles in fingerprint enhancement.

1. Nanotechnology Powder
Presented By,
Palash Mehar
M.Sc. Forensic Science Part-II
Govt. Institute of Forensic Science, Nagpur.

2. Introduction
 Nanotechnology is the field of science that deals with the study of materials in the
nanometer scale. Additionally, the domain can also be defined as the synthesis of
matter on an atomic level, with sizes ranging from 1 to 100 nm.
 Nanoparticles are much smaller than most of the particles currently used in
fingerprint detection, which are in the order of 1–10 mm in size.
 Nanoparticles are distinct, non-aggregated particles with nanometre-size diameters,
although nano-structured particles, which may be up to microns in diameter, often
exist as aggregates of nano-sized particles
 The use of nano-particles has recently shown a great potential in producing the next
generation of fingerprint development techniques known as nano-fingerprints.

3. Problems of Traditional Methods
for Latent Fingerprint
Development
Advantages of Using Fluorescent
Nanomaterials for Developing
Latent Fingerprints
Low Contrast High Contrast
Low Sensitivity High Sensitivity
Low Selectivity High Selectivity
Low Toxicity Low Toxicity

4. Evolution of nanoparticles in the field of forensic fingerprinting
• The silver nanoparticles were first time presented as a reagent in silver
physical developer technique for the development latent fingerprints on
porous paper surface.
1970
• The silver physical developer technique was improvised by the addition of
gold nanoparticles for the enhancement of latent fingerprints on paper
surface by the MMD (Multi-metal deposition)
1980
• Zinc oxide luminiscent nano-powder was developed for the visualization
of latent fingerprints on non-porous substrate.2004
• A non-toxic aluminium oxide nanoparticles coated with natural fluorescent
dye was used as fingerprint developing nano-powder for the development of
latent fingerprints on non-porous substrates.
2006

5. Contd...
• Gold nano-particles were first time attached with a bio-
functional reagent for the development of fingerprints on the
porous paper surfaces.
2012
• Gold nano-particles functionalized with antibody were used a
labelling material for the identification of drug and drug
metabolites with in a fingerprint.
2012
• Electro deposition of metal nano-particles method was
proposed for the visualization of latent fingerprints on non-porous
coin substrate.
2013
• Gold nano-particles were used as probe for the development of
latent fingerprints along with the identification of cocaine
metabolite in latent fingerprint.
2013

6. Contd...
• Carboxyl functionalized silica nanoparticles were introduced
for the identification of mechanism between silica nanoparticles
and fingerprint residue.
2014
• Amphiphilic silica nanopowder was developed for the
development of lantent fingerprints on smooth non-porous
substrate.
2015
• Fluorescent starch based carbon nanoparticles were used as
labeling markers for the development of latent fingerprints a non-
porous surface like glass slide.
2016
• Eu+3 doped Al2O3 nanocrystaline powder was used for the
development of latent fingerprints on non-porous substrates.2016

7. Theory
Two principal ways in which functionalised nanoparticles have been
used as a solid deposition process for fingermark enhancement,
 In the first approach, the nanoparticle is functionalised using
antibodies so that it specifically binds to one or more constituents
present within the fingermark.
 Antibodies will not bind directly to the nanoparticles, so the nano-
particle must first be treated so that linking molecules can be
attached to its surface and the antibodies attached to the linking
molecule in a subsequent treatment.
 For the second type of nanoparticle powder that may be
encountered, the functionalised nanoparticle binds to the fingermark
by similar mechanisms to those outlined for the conventional
powders.
 The additional functionality incorporated into the nanoparticle
during manufacture can include fluorescent or magnetic properties.
(Schematic diagram of a generic
functionalised nanoparticle )
(Schematic diagram of constituent‐specific
binding of functionalised nanoparticles )
Source: Bleay, S., Croxton, R., & Puit, M. (2018). Fingerprint development techniques (1st ed.). WILEY.

8. Contd...
Schematic diagram showing how nanoparticles act as matrix enhancers
for processes producing ionisation of the fingermark
Source:- Bleay, S., Croxton, R., & Puit, M. (2018). Fingerprint development techniques (1st ed.). WILEY.

9. The nanoparticle powders process
Brushes
Magnetic applicators
Aerosol spraying
Electrostatic application

10. Visualizing Fingermarks Using Nanoparticles
Sr.
No.
Nanoparticles Size Merits Demerits
1. Silver
nanoparticles
Ranges from 1
to 200 nm
The physical developer (Ag-
PD) technique has the ability to
develop fingerprints on surfaces
that have been exposed to
intense sunlight for several
hours.
Besides, it can lift the
fingerprints impinged on moist
items.
Expensive,
Time consuming,
less stable,
Destructive and leaves
permanent stains on the
documents
2. Gold
nanoparticles
Average size :
2–3 nm
(spherical
shape)
The gold nanoparticles
significantly improve the
intensity and clarity of the
developed prints when compared
with the use of Ag-PD alone.
It is not useful for finding
prints on surfaces such as
walls or floors at the crime
scene or on any object that
is too large to be soaked in a
desktop bath.

11. Shows the comparison of two halves of sebaceous secretion of the fingerprints on paper
surface, developed by Ag-PD (top) and by AuNP-C18 followed by Ag-PD (bottom)
Image Source: Prasad, V., Lukose, S., Agarwal, P., & Prasad, L. (2019). Role of Nanomaterials for Forensic Investigation and
Latent Fingerprinting—A Review. Journal Of Forensic Sciences,

12. Sr. No. Nanoparticles Size Merits Demerits
3. ZnO nano-
powder
The mean particle
size calculated
through TEM
images for the
ZnO nanopowder
is 1–3 nm
The method works well for
developing fresh as well as aged
fingerprints deposited on
nonporous surfaces
The method is less
effective to
Develop
fingerprints on
porous surface
4. Silicon oxide
nanoparticles
The average
diameter of SiO2
NPs is 70 + 2 nm
The silica nanoparticles (SiO2-
NPs) have a unique coating
ability and aid in the
visualization of fingerprint
residues deposited on
nonporous surfaces
The technique is
not suitable for the
development of
fingerprints on
porous surfaces
5. Aluminum
oxide
nanoparticles
The size of the
nanoparticles
ranges from 30 to
60 nm
The aluminum oxide nano-
powder is stable over prolonged
periods of time.
Moreover, the ingredients of the
combination are eco-friendly
The technique is
expensive and
time-consuming

13. Ten-day-old fingerprint on
glass surface developed by
using ZnO nano-powder.
Figure:- Results obtained after application of SiO2-COOH NPs at pH 6. For the
right half, EDC/NHS is used to mediate the reaction. On the right shows the bond
formation between -COOHl groups present on SiO2 NPs surface and amine groups
found in the fingerprint secretion. The amide linkage is mediated by the use of
EDC/NHS.
(N-ethyl-N’-(3 dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) hydrochloride)
combined with N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)

14. Other Nanoparticles
Metal Oxide Particles:-
• Iron oxide (Fe3O4) particles
• Titanium oxide particles
• Europium oxide particles
Metal Sulfide Particles:-
• Molybdenum disulfide
• Cadmium sulfide nanocrystals

15. REFERENCES
1) Bleay, S., Croxton, R., & Puit, M. (2018). Fingerprint development techniques (1st ed.). WILEY.
2) Ramotowski, R. (2014). Lee and Gaensslen's Advances in Fingerprint Technology, Third Edition (3rd ed.). CRC
Press.
3) Prasad, V., Lukose, S., Agarwal, P., & Prasad, L. (2019). Role of Nanomaterials for Forensic Investigation and
Latent Fingerprinting—A Review. Journal Of Forensic Sciences, 65(1), 26-36. doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.14172
4) Wang, M., Li, M., Yu, A., Zhu, Y., Yang, M., & Mao, C. (2017). Fluorescent Nanomaterials for the Development of
Latent Fingerprints in Forensic Sciences. Advanced Functional Materials, 27(14), 1606243. doi:
10.1002/adfm.201606243
5) Choi, M., McDonagh, A., Maynard, P., & Roux, C. (2008). Metal-containing nanoparticles and nano-structured
particles in fingermark detection. Forensic Science International, 179(2-3), 87-97. doi:
10.1016/j.forsciint.2008.04.027

16. Thank You !