Analysing fingerprints with ATR-FTIR spectroscopic imaging

Fingerprints can be collected or lifted from surfaces using gelatin tape which can be analysed using ATR-FTIR spectroscopic imaging.  The chemical signature of the fingerprint can be obtained in a non-destructive, label-free manner and the spatial distribution of various components can be plotted to give the shape of the fingerprint, and reveal trace particles.

This methodology has been included in the Fingermark Visualisation Manual published by the Home Office Centre for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) (link).

Lifting a fingerprint

Lifting a fingerprint

Fingerprints can be lifted from surfaces using gelatine tape

Fingerprint on gelatin tape

Fingerprint on gelatin tape

A fingerprint collected from a surface can be visible on the gelatin tape

Studying fingerprints with an FTIR spectrometer with FPA detector

Studying fingerprints with an FTIR spectrometer

Collected fingerprints can be studied using an infrared spectrometer with a focal plane array detector

Placing gelatin tape on an ATR crystal

Depositing fingerprint on the ATR crystal

Gelatin tape with a latent fingerprint can be placed on the surface of an ATR crystal where spectroscopic images can be acquired

Spectroscopic image of a fingerprint

Spectroscopic image of a fingerprint

Plotting the spatial distribution of the intensity of spectral bands which correspond to lipids, features of the fingerprint can be revealed

Prof. Sergei Kazarian

Prof. Sergei Kazarian

Prof. Sergei Kazarian is the PI of this project, funded by EPSRC grant (EP/C532678) "Enhancing Forensic Science with Spectroscopic Imaging"


Key References

  • Ewing A. V, Kazarian S. G. Infrared spectroscopy and spectroscopic imaging in forensic science  Analyst (2017) i142, 257-272.(doi)
  • Ricci C., Kazarian S. G. Collection and Detection of Latent Fingermarks Contaminated with Cosmetics on Non-porous and Porous Surfaces, Surface and Interface Analysis 42 (2010) 386-392. 
  • Bailey M. J, Bright N. J., Croxton R. S.,  FranceseS.,  Ferguson L. S.,  HinderS. Jickells S., Jones B. J., Jones B. N., Kazarian S. G., OjedaJ. J.,  Webb, R. P., Wolstenholme R., Bleay S. Chemical Characterisation of Latent Fingerprints by MALDI, ToF-SIMS, MeV-SIMS, GC-MS, XPS and ATR-FTIR Spectroscopic Imaging – an Intercomparison  Analytical Chemistry 84 (2012) 8514-8523 (doi)
  • Ricci C., Chan K. L. A., Kazarian S. G. Combining Tape-Lift Method and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic Imaging for Forensic Applications, Applied Spectroscopy 60 (2006) 1013-1021.
  • Ricci C., Bleay S., Kazarian S. G. Spectroscopic imaging of latent fingermarks collected with the aid of a gelatine tape, Analytical Chemistry 79 (2007) 5771-5776.(doi)
  • Ricci, C., Phiriyavityopas, P., Curum, N., Chan, K. L. A., Jickells, S., Kazarian, S. G., Chemical Imaging of Latent Fingerprint Residues, Applied Spectroscopy, 61 (2007) 514-522 (doi)
  • Ricci C, Nyadong L., Fernandez F.M., Newton P.N., Kazarian S.G., Combined Fourier Transform Infrared Imaging and Desorption Electrospray Ionization Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry for the Analysis of Counterfeit Antimalarial Tablets. Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 387 (2007) 551-559.
  • Ricci C., Eliasson C., Macleod N. A., Newton P. N., Matousek P., Kazarian S. G. Characterization of Genuine and Fake Artesunate Anti-malarial Tablets Using Fourier Transform Infrared Imaging and Spatially Offset Raman spectroscopy Through Blister Packs, Anal. Bional. Chem. 389 (2007) 1525-1532.
  • Ricci C., Nyadong L., Yang, F., Fernandez F. M., Brown C. D., Newton P. N., Kazarian S. G. "Validation of handheld Raman instrumentation for in situ screening for potentially-counterfeit artesunate antimalarial tablets by FT-Raman spectroscopy and direct ionization mass spectrometry." Anal. Chim. Acta 623 (2008)178-186.

  • Kazarian S. G.   Invited lecture “Chemical imaging of fingerprints”,  Annual Meeting of the Fingerprint Society, England,  2011