Doped hydrophobic silica nano- and micro-particles as novel agents for developing latent fingerprints

Brenden J. Theaker, Katherine E. Hudson, Frederick J. Rowell

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

100 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Novel hydrophobic silica based particles have been developed to visualise latent fingerprints. The composition of the particles has been designed to maximise both hydrophobic and ionic interactions between a variety of coloured and fluorescent reporter molecules and the silicate backbone within the particles. The resulting doped particles retain the incorporated dyes with high affinity. In addition, a variety of sub-particles have also been embedded to again produce coloured or magnetisable hydrophobic particles. The particles can be harvested as nanoparticles or microparticles. The former are applied to latent fingerprints as an aqueous suspension and the latter as a dusting agent using brushes or a magnetic wand. Examples of the prints produced using these agents are given. The resulting prints have good definition.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)26-34
Number of pages9
JournalForensic Science International
Volume174
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jan 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Coloured and magnetisable particles
  • Developing agents
  • Fluorescent
  • Forensic science
  • Hydrophobic nano- and micro-particles
  • Latent fingerprints

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine

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