Investigation Into the Binding of Gold Nanoparticles to Fingermarks Using Scanning Electron Microscopy

• NCJ Number: 213061
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 56 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 2006 Pages: 24-32
• Author(s): Mi Jung Choi; Katie E. McBean; Richard Wuhrer; Andrew M. McDonagh; Philip J. Maynard; Chris Lennard; Claude Roux
• Date Published: January 2006
• Length: 9 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study used a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to examine the binding of gold nanoparticles to fingermarks on nonporous surfaces.

Abstract

Results indicate that gold nanoparticles bind preferentially to fingermark ridges on nonporous surfaces, indicating that the premise underlying the multimetal desposition technique is sound. The pH variation was found to influence the binding of gold nanoparticles to ridges but did not impact the valley regions of the fingermarks. Surfectant concentration affected background development but did not influence the binding of gold nanoparticles to fingermark ridges. Research methods for this study involved preparing gold nanoparticles according to the published procedures using commercially available ingredients. Latent fingermarks, which were produced by wiping fingers across the forehead, were then deposited onto the experimental surfaces (glass, plastic, and stainless steel). The fingermarks were carbon-coated and imaged at 2 kV using a Zeiss Supra 55VP variable pressure SEM. Future research is focused on preparing and evaluating particles that interact with fingermarks through different mechanisms. Figures, references