A Paradigm Shift in Fingerprint Visualization: Aggregation-Induced Emission Materials and Their Applications

The visualization of latent fingerprints (LFPs) is undergoing a paradigm shift, driven by the unique photophysical properties of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) materials. Moving beyond the limitations of conventional methods, AIE luminogens (AIEgens) introduce a transformative approach. This review elucidates the working principles of AIEgens, primarily through the restriction of intramolecular motion (RIM) mechanism, and systematically charts their advancements in LFP visualization. The application of AIEgens is comprehensively discussed from multiple perspectives: the interaction mechanisms at the fingerprint residue interface (e.g., hydrophobic, electrostatic, and physical adsorption), the resulting luminescence modes (fluorescence and phosphorescence), the practical visualization methodologies (sole application or combination with traditional techniques), and the corresponding evaluation criteria (qualitative and quantitative). While significant progress has been made, we also address existing challenges, particularly the limited color contrast on complex backgrounds and the absence of unified quantitative standards. Next steps should prioritize three critical areas: establishing standardized assessment protocols, optimizing material and imaging performance, and pursuing breakthroughs in multiplexed evidence analysis. This work not only summarizes a pivotal shift in forensic visualization but also provides essential design principles and technical references for in-situ LFP detection, trace analysis, and the recovery of nondestructive biological evidence.