Abstract: Fingerprint analysis has been the cornerstone of forensic science for over a century and has been an essential tool in criminal investigations. Traditional fingerprint powders are effective in most cases but have limitations with respect to sensitivity, background noise, and compatibility with various surfaces. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have led to the development of nanoparticle-based powders with higher sensitivity and contrast in challenging forensic environments. This comparative work assesses how well classic fingerprint powders and nano powder-based powders perform in terms of surface interaction across varying roughness, response to faint prints, and overall utility. The study also discusses and compares the advantages and limitations of using both varieties of powders, their cost, potential safety impacts, and their availability. Furthermore, real-world case studies and emerging use cases of nanoparticle powders have been discussed to highlight their increasing potential in forensic applications. Findings suggest that while the nanoparticle-based powder offers several advantages, traditional powder still has its place in appropriate situations. The study concluded with a discussion on how these technologies can be integrated in the near future and how the processes for fingerprint recovery are continuously evolving in forensic science.
Sachi et al. (Mon,) studied this question.