Strategies for latent fingermark development using metal organic frameworks.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Latent fingermarks (LFMs) are crucial for individualizing evidence in forensic science.
• Conventional LFM visualization methods face limitations with complex forensic scenarios.
• Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) show promise due to tunable properties and luminescence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review recent advancements in MOF-based strategies for LFM visualization.
• To highlight the adaptability and advantages of MOFs in forensic contexts.
• To present a new paradigm for LFM development integrating residue information.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on MOF applications in LFM development.
• Categorization of MOF strategies: biomineralization, fluorescent powders, sensing platforms.
• Analysis of MOFs for simultaneous visualization and spatial localization of residue information.

Main Results:

• MOFs enable diverse LFM visualization approaches, including biomineralization and engineered powders.
• Multifunctional MOF platforms allow for sensing and integrated residue analysis.
• Recent MOF strategies facilitate simultaneous visualization and spatial localization of residue data.

Conclusions:

• MOF materials offer unique advantages and adaptability for LFM visualization in forensic science.
• MOF-based strategies advance LFM development from morphological visualization to residue information interrogation.
• This approach establishes a new analytical chemistry paradigm for enhanced forensic evidence analysis.