ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Fluorescent powder for latent fingerprints imaging based on tetraphenylethene derivatives

Klatnatee Vepulanont, Sukanda Mattayan, Kanokwan Ganjanavijit, Supachai Phanglai, Tawat Chanadee, and Dhassida Sooksawat

Division of Physical Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand

E-mail: dhassida.s@psu.ac.th

Received: 23 December 2024  Accepted: 8 July 2025

Abstract:

Highly efficient fingerprint imaging agents are essential in forensic investigation. Simple, affordable dusting is the most widely used method, and different powders help to overcome disadvantages like low contrast, high background interference, and toxicity. We studied the utilization of an aggregation-induced emission luminogen (AIEgen) to produce a fluorescent powder for latent fingerprint development. Three tetraphenylethene (TPE) derivatives with different hydrophobic substitutions, namely TPE-Br (1), TPE-C4Br (2), and TPE-C3OH (3), were synthesized, combined with fine silica gel, and applied for latent fingerprint visualization. An AIE fingerprint powder coated with TPE-C4Br (2P) proved the best of the three and showed the ability to develop latent fingerprints on various substrates. Fingerprint details could be observed with high contrast and resolution up to the secondary level of information.

Graphical abstract

Keywords: Latent fingerprints; Powder dusting; Aggregation-induced emission; Fluorescent powder; TPE

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-025-04237-8

Chemical Papers 79 (10) 6965–6974 (2025)