Organic fluorophores in developing latent fingerprints: an up-to-date review

Abstract Fingerprints have been established as legitimate and critical forensic science evidence for identifying criminals beginning as early as the twentieth century. This article details the different types of fingerprints, the broad range of surfaces, and various development techniques available for on-site latent fingerprint collection, with fingerprint fidelity being of prime significance. Fluorescent imaging of latent finger-marks benefits from enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and reduced reliance on instruments. The review focuses on the topical developments reported on small-molecule organic fluorophores which could be used to develop latent prints through powder, solution, and fuming approaches. These inexpensive luminophores extend wide emission profiles that span the visible spectrum to visualize the latent prints with exceptional resolution, free from any interference originating from the background surface. Further, the critical challenges and prospective scope for future research developments to improve the detection of latent fingerprints using small-molecule fluorophores are also discussed. Graphical abstract