Visualization of Latent Fingermarks by Nanotechnology: Reversed Development on Paper—A Remedy to the Variation in Sweat Composition

Abstract

Don′t sweat it: “Negative” fingermarks are developed on paper by the application of gold nanoparticles (gold circles) that are capped by a bifunctional ligand, and then silver precipitation. In this process, paper is the substrate and the fingermarks serve as a mask. This approach may contribute to the successful recovery of latent fingermarks by law enforcement agencies.