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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
06:06
Variations on Negative Stain Electron Microscopy Methods: Tools for Tackling Challenging Systems
Published on: February 6, 2018
Use of stains to detect fingermarks
1School of Criminal Sciences - Forensic Science (Institut de Police Scientifique), Batochime, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland. andy.becue@unil.ch
Summary
This review explores fingermark detection methods, focusing on stains to reveal invisible prints. It categorizes techniques into physical, chemical, and nanostructured material-based approaches for forensic science.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Fingermark detection is crucial for criminal investigations and identification.
- Most fingermarks are invisible to the naked eye, necessitating specialized detection methods.
- Effective detection requires establishing visual contrast between fingermark residue and the substrate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the field of fingermark detection using stains.
- To categorize existing and emerging fingermark detection techniques.
- To highlight the role of nanostructured materials in advanced fingermark detection.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of fingermark detection techniques.
- Categorization based on underlying principles: physical, chemical, and nanostructured materials.
- Analysis of the application of stains in fingermark visualization.
Main Results:
- Fingermark detection relies on visualizing residue-substrate contrast.
- Techniques are broadly classified into physical, chemical, and nanostructured material-based methods.
- Nanostructured materials represent an emerging and promising area in forensic science.
Conclusions:
- Stain-based methods are essential for detecting invisible fingermarks.
- A comprehensive understanding of different detection categories is vital for forensic investigators.
- Advancements in nanostructured materials offer new possibilities for enhanced fingermark detection.
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