Detection and enhancement of latent fingerprints using dextran-based biopolymer powders obtained from anthocyanin solution

Abstract

Dextran is extensively exploited in medicine and pharmacy, but, currently no studies using this biopolymer as a powder system for enhancement of latent fingerprints were published. In this paper four different formulations of dextran-based biopolymer powders, obtained by simple precipitation of dextran within anthocyanin solution, were synthetized and characterized in order to determine potential of these biopowders in forensic application. Since detrimental effect on humans is often present while routinely employing commercial dusting methods, the main advantage of prepared dextran-based biopowders are their non-toxic properties, contributing to the safer/healthier operating conditions. The interactions between components of the systems were confirmed by FT-IR analysis. Optical microscopy was used to determine the size of the prepared biopowders, while simultaneously confirmed the interaction between powders and the sweat/lipid residues present in the latent trace. The results demonstrated the potential of novel dextran-based biopowders to supplement routinely employed physical systems in visualizing latent fingerprints.