Latent fingerprint visualization with berberine from Berberis vulgaris: A spectroscopic and surface-dependent...

This study evaluates the effectiveness of berberine extract obtained from Berberis vulgaris roots for the visualization of latent fingerprints and explores its potential as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional forensic reagents. Berberine was extracted using an ultrasonic bath method and applied to latent fingerprints deposited on a range of porous and non-porous surfaces. The developed prints were examined under ultraviolet illumination to assess fluorescence intensity, ridge continuity, and minutiae clarity. The berberine extract produced strong yellow fluorescence, enhancing ridge detail visibility and providing higher contrast particularly on smooth, non-porous substrates, while surface morphology influenced fluorescence performance and overall print quality. The findings demonstrate that plant-derived fluorescent compounds can offer a sustainable, low-toxicity, and effective approach to latent fingerprint development, highlighting berberine as a promising candidate for forensic applications.