Fingerprint development techniques: a review

Abstract

Fingerprints have been used as a method of human identification for more than a century and are still considered fundamental evidence in the resolution of crimes due to their uniqueness. In most cases, the fingerprints found are latent, and therefore it is necessary to use some kind of developer to enable their visualization. Thus, this review aims to present the various types of physical and chemical developers currently used and their interactions or reactions with fingerprint compounds. In addition, low-toxicity and nanomaterial-based developers currently under study will also be presented