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    A proof-of-concept study into turmeric spice as an improvised fluorescent latent fingermark detection powder for limited resource jurisdictions

    Access Status
    In process
    Authors
    Lópes, T.
    Buckman, M.G.
    Sauzier, G.
    Barros, R.M.
    Lewis, Simon
    Date
    2025
    Type
    Journal Article
    
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Citation
    Lópes, T. and Buckman, M.G. and Sauzier, G. and Barros, R.M. and Lewis, S.W. 2025. A proof-of-concept study into turmeric spice as an improvised fluorescent latent fingermark detection powder for limited resource jurisdictions. Forensic Science International: Reports. : pp. 100413-.
    Source Title
    Forensic Science International: Reports
    DOI
    10.1016/j.fsir.2025.100413
    ISSN
    2665-9107
    Faculty
    Faculty of Science and Engineering
    School
    School of Molecular and Life Sciences (MLS)
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/97401
    Collection
    • Curtin Research Publications
    Abstract

    Latent fingermarks are a crucial form of physical evidence for crime scene investigations; however, limited-resource jurisdictions, such as some states in Brazil, face challenges in identifying fingermarks due to lower access to commercial fingermark developers. The study of unconventional and alternative techniques for fingermark detection that are low-cost, easily available, and sustainable in line with the UN SDGs presents great value for under-resourced jurisdictions. Household items and easily available materials such as spices fit perfectly in such contexts as improvised fingermark powders. Turmeric is a globally accessible culinary spice which contains high levels of the fluorescent compound curcumin. This research reports for the first time the application of turmeric spice powder as fluorescent dusting powder for latent fingermark detection. Turmeric spice powders from different sources were evaluated for their performance as dusting powders and were subsequently characterised by optical microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and fluorescence spectrophotometry. All turmeric powders exhibited high fluorescence intensities and were demonstrated to be suitable as a fluorescent fingermark powders without further processing, though specimens with homogeneous particle size distribution and pure turmeric composition performed better. These preliminary results indicate that turmeric is a suitable fingermark powder without further modification and is a potential alternative to commercial powders for jurisdictions with limited resources.

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