NOVEL POWDER METHODS FOR THE VISUALIZATION OF LATENT

FINGERPRINTS : THE CASE FOR TURMERIC AND OTHER SPICES

By

RENEE ANG XIN YI

A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of

Master of Forensic Science (Professional Practice)

in

The School of Veterinary and Life Sciences

Murdoch University

List supervisors

Dr John Coumbaros

Semester 1, 2018

ii

Declaration

I declare that this thesis does not contain any material submitted previously for the award of

any other degree or diploma at any university or other tertiary institution. Furthermore, to

the best of my knowledge, it does not contain any material previously published or written

by another individual, except where due reference has been made in the text. Finally, I declare

that all reported experimentations performed in this research were carried out by myself,

except that any contribution by others, with whom I have worked is explicitly acknowledged.

iii

Acknowledgements

The production of this thesis would not have been possible were it not for the efforts of a number of individuals. First of all, I would like to sincerely thank you to my supervisor, Dr John Coumbaros who was a very patient, dedicate and nice person. Thank you for the research project title that you offered. In the beginning of the project, you always pushed me to carry out my work. Throughout the whole research project, thanks for your guidance. Without your help I think I would have been lost throughout most of this project. To Brendan Chapman and Ashley Nolan, I appreciate the help you provided to me in providing me DSLR camera, fingerprint carbon black powder and fingerprint brushes to me. In this regard, I would like to thank to my lecturer Associate Professor James Speers. Thank you for guiding me at the very first of the research project in the preparation of fingerprint brushes and helping me throughout this research project. I also would like to appreciate and thank for the help from Saesario Laksmana Putra for some additional discussion and explanation. It is really help me a lot in my studies and research project. To Adelaide Chung and Keat Siong P’ng, thank you for the encouragement, motivation and support to me. To Ivy Yu and Kang Ning Tan, thank you for providing me fingerprint as my test fingerprint and also caring to me. I am very appreciate and grateful for the help from all of you. To my family member, my parents, brother and sister. Thanks for your endless encouragement, motivation, support, caring and dedication. Thank you

Lastly, to the reader, I am truly humbled that you have decided to read this thesis. I hope you will forgive any errors or redundancies that may arise but more importantly, I hope that the contents of this thesis will be useful to you in some way

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Table of Contents

Title Page ................................................................................................................................ i

Declaration ............................................................................................................................ ii

Acknowledgements .............................................................................................................. iii

Part One Literature Review .................................................................................................... 1-40

Part Two Manuscript .............................................................................................................. 1-33

Blank Page – not numbered

2

Part One

Literature Review NOVEL POWDER METHODS FOR THE VISUALIZATION OF LATENT FINGERPRINTS

: THE CASE FOR TURMERIC AND OTHER SPICES

3

TABLE OF CONTENT

LIST OF FIGURES ......................................................................................................................... 5

LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................................... 6

Abstract ...................................................................................................................................... 7

1.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 8

2.0 Discussion ............................................................................................................................. 9

2.1 Anatomy of Fingerprint .................................................................................................... 9

2.2 Latent Fingerprint ........................................................................................................... 12

2.2.1 Eccrine Fingerprint ................................................................................................... 13

2.2.2 Sebaceous Fingerprint ............................................................................................. 13

2.3 Friction Ridges ................................................................................................................ 14

2.3.1 First Level of Details ................................................................................................. 14

2.3.2 Second Level of Details ............................................................................................ 16

2.3.3 Third Level of Details ............................................................................................... 17

2.4 Types of Surfaces ............................................................................................................ 17

2.4.1 Porous Surface ......................................................................................................... 17

2.4.2 Non-porous Surface ................................................................................................. 19

2.4.3 Semi-porous Surface ................................................................................................ 20

2.5 Powdering method ......................................................................................................... 21

2.5.1 Carbon Black Powder ............................................................................................... 21

2.5.2 Turmeric Powder ..................................................................................................... 22

4

2.5.3 Cinnamon Powder ................................................................................................... 23

2.5.4 Paprika Powder ........................................................................................................ 24

2.6 Qualitative Assessment .................................................................................................. 25

2.6.1 SWGFAST Quality Assessment (ACE-V) ................................................................... 25

2.6.2 Bandey Five Point Scoring System ........................................................................... 27

2.7 Previous powdering enhancement method on Latent Fingerprint ............................... 28

3.0 Experimental Aims and Hypothesis ................................................................................... 33

4.0 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 34

5.0 References ......................................................................................................................... 35

5

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1 : Human Skin Structure (source from (20)). ........................................................... 10

Figure 2.2 : First Level of Details (source from(22)). ............................................................... 16

Figure 2.3 : Types of Minutiae (source from(22)). ................................................................... 16

Figure 2.4 : Aging of a latent fingerprint on a porous substrate (source from (22)). .............. 19

Figure 2.5 : Aging of a latent fingerprint on a nonporous substrate (source from (22)). ....... 20

6

LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1 : Categories of quality defined as a function of levels of details observed. ............ 27

Table 2.2 : Bandey fingerprint grading scheme (source from (48)). ....................................... 28

7

Abstract

Human fingerprint is such an unique human identity that differ from person to person. Even a

twin also don’t have an identical fingerprint. In a forensic investigation, the fingerprint is one

of the most common evidence that can be found and considered valuable. It enables the possible

identification of the person of interest in a criminal case. A latent fingerprint is an invisible

fingerprint that maybe encountered in a crime scene. The process of enhancement is necessary

for the latent fingerprint to be observed by naked eyes. Thus, it is an important process. The

important consideration for the development of latent fingerprint is non-destructive to the

evidence itself and the method is simple, easy and safe to the examiner.

Powdering method is one of the most common and traditional method been used since the 19th

century. The principle of the powdering method is adhesion of the powder particles towards

the natural residues that found on a latent fingerprint. Previously, researchers used different

materials as fingerprint powder used during powdering but limitations were found. Some of

the materials are toxic and endanger human health. Besides this, some of the fingerprint

powders do not provide sufficient contrast and sufficient details of the fingerprint after

enhancement. Thus, this literature review aims to critically assess the current literature that

related to the use of novel powders such as spices – (eg. Turmeric) in the development of a

latent fingerprints. The method of latent fingerprint developed by turmeric powder will be

performed again to verify the result of previous research. Furthermore, due to currently there

are no studies that have investigated the use of other novel powders such as cinnamon and

paprika in latent fingerprint development, this literature review will also explore the chemical

composition of both spices in order to assess the potential for new natural fingerprint powder

in future.

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1.0 Introduction

Unique personal fingerprint started to develop when a baby was in the embryo(1,2). The

fingerprint of a baby already well developed in their mother’s womb before they born. The

surrounding environment of a baby and the pressure on the fingers from the baby touching

create friction ridges(1). Friction ridges are the faint lines that can be seen on everyone fingers

and toes(2). All these faint lines are fully developed by the time a fetus is 6 months old. This

is a unique human identity of everyone(3–5). It is a valuable physical evidence in a criminal

case(6). The recovery and enhancement of fingerprint impression that found at a crime scene

are important for the whole case.

The latent fingerprint is the most common fingerprint that encountered in a criminal case(7).

There are different methods used to enhance latent fingerprint. The most common and

traditional method is powdering method(6,8–12). Powdering method is a method that applies

powder particles towards the natural residues that deposited on a latent fingerprint. Adhesion

will occur due to the frictional charges between the powder particles and natural residues(9–

11,13–15).

There are different types of powders such as regular powder, metallic powders and luminescent

powders(9,11,13,16). Regular powder consists of two significant component that help in the

powdering method. There is a resinous polymer, which helps in adhesion action, and colourant

which provide colour contrast to the background(11,12,17–20). Metallic powder is a powder

that consists of meshed metals. Luminescent powder consists of natural or synthetic organic

derivatives that fluoresce with the use of laser light. Different types of powders have different

limitations. In previous studies, there is still don’t have any powder can be used on all surfaces.

Some powder can only be effective on a certain type of surface(13,17). Some powder can be

widely used on different types of surfaces but the limitations still appear. Some of the

fingerprint used before cannot provide a good colour contrast with the background surface(12).

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For example, the use of conventional black powder, cannot really provide a good colour

contrast with a black or dark background. The other consideration for fingerprint powder is the

toxicity of the powder to human(13,18,20). Fingerprint powder must be safe to be used by

examiners without causing any harm. Recently, natural materials to be the fingerprint powder

used in powdering method have been explored. A researcher found that an Indian spice

turmeric is suitable for the development of a latent fingerprint but on some surface still cannot

be so effective(18). Thus, this literature review aims to verify the latent fingerprint developed

by using turmeric powder. Furthermore, other types of spices such as cinnamon and paprika

will also be assessed as fingerprint powder to develop a latent fingerprint in order to address

the research gap or the limitation of previous fingerprint powders.

2.0 Discussion

This section aims to describe the basic knowledge of human fingerprint. This will be done by

reviewing current literature related to fingerprint impressions. The second aims is to understand

the quality assessment that was used to compare a developed fingerprint with a known

fingerprint. This will be done by reviewing SWGFAST standards for examining friction ridge

impressions and also the Bandey scoring system in UK Home Office. The third aim is to

understand the basic and chemical composition of cinnamon and paprika spices. This will be

done by reviewing the previous studies on cinnamon and paprika. Lastly, the aim is to

understand the powdering method on the enhancement of latent fingerprint. This will be done

by evaluating previous studies on powdering method of the latent fingerprint.

2.1 Anatomy of Fingerprint

The outermost layer of human skin consists of ridges and sweat pores(21–24). Ridges are the

raised portion of the epidermis on the palm, fingers, sole and toes. Ridges also are known as

dermal ridges or dermal papillae. Ridges and sweat pores help in picking up an object by hand

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or feet by preventing slippage happen. Human skin consists of three layers. There are

epidermis, dermis and hypodermis.

Figure 2.1 : Human Skin Structure (source from (20)).

Epidermis layer is the outer layer of human skin. It is a continuous renewing epithelial skin.

The epidermis consists of 5 sublayers. The sublayers are a basal generating layer(stratum

germinativum), spinous layer(stratum spinosum), granular layer(stratum granulosum),

transitional hyaline layer(stratum lucidum) and horny cornified layer(stratum

corneum)(11,22,24–28). The epidermis consists of 4 types of cells. There are keratinocytes,

melanocytes, Langerhans cells and Merkel cells(21,22,24). Cells that will undergo a process of

differentiation are keratinocytes(22). After differentiation, the older layer will be lost and leave

the skin surface. Basal generating layer(stratum germinativum)consists of a lot of

keratinocytes, melanocytes and Merkel cells. Keratinocytes are attached to the basement

membrane. Melanocytes are connecting to keratinocytes. Merkel cells are widely spread

throughout the surface of touch-sensitive(21,22). Spinous layer(stratum spinosum) is a layer

that keratin producing epidermal cells appeared. It plays a role in preventing penetration of the

irritants and allergens that wish to come in. It will also help to maintain the internal

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environment homeostasis. It is a physical and biological barrier to the internal environment. It

is where the Langerhans cell located(26,27). Langerhans cell is known as immunologically

active cells. The following layer is a granular layer(stratum granulosum). Granular

layer(stratum granulosum) is a thin cells layer that consists of cells having keratohyalin

granules with protein that bind keratin filaments together. The keratinocytes that migrate from

the previous layer which is a spinous layer(stratum spinosum) will become granular cells in

this existing layer. Transitional hyaline layer(stratum lucidum) is a layer that dead cells

appeared. Human soles of feet and palm of hands will have this layer. It made up of few layers

of thick of flattened keratinocytes. The thickness of this layer is affected by the rate of division

of epidermal cells. Horny cornified layer(stratum corneum) is the outermost layer. It serves as

a protective barrier to the underneath tissues from getting an infection, dehydration, chemicals

and mechanical stress(21,22,26). This layer consists a lot of dead cells, which has no nucleus

at all. As an overall, epidermis serves as a protective barrier and receptor organs. It helps to

control the water loss from the human skin. Epidermis layer consists of melanocytes. The

melanocyte is a pigment-producing cell which plays a role in synthesizing vitamin D.

Melanocytes also known as a protective barrier on the human skin.

The following layer is known as dermis layer. Dermis layer buildup of connective tissue. These

connective tissue help to hold and support the epidermis layer. Dermis layer consists of a

network of the cell, blood vessels, gelatinous material and fiber(24–26). These components

provide support to the structure. Besides that, it also provides nourishment for the epidermis.

Dermis layer also helps to regulate human body temperature(22). It also serves as sensory

reception and blood reserve. It consists of mainly 3 layers. There are known as papillary dermis,

reticular dermis and dermal papillae(21). Papillary dermis is the uppermost layer. It composed

of collagen fibers. Ridges papillae are produced from this layer toward the epidermis layer.

Reticular dermis is under the papillary dermis. In this region, roots of the hair, sebaceous

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glands, sweat glands, receptor, nails and blood vessels can be found. This reticular dermis is

connected to the inner hypodermis layer with a network of fibers. Dermal papillae considered

as malleable, podlike structure of papillary dermis between the primary and secondary ridges.

At the surface of the skin, is known as the papillary ridges which are the human fingerprint.

This layer will remain the same and unaltered throughout the whole life of a person. This layer

is useful in human identification(11,18,29).

The inner layer of human skin is known as hypodermis. The hypodermis is known as a loose

connective tissue layer in the human skin. In human hypodermis layer, the presence of adipose

tissue helps to provide energy to human body. It serves as an energy reserve. Eccrine sweat

glands are the only glands that present in the dermis layer(2,16,21,27). They are widely

distributed all over our human skin. The coiled secretory portion of the gland is located at either

the layer of dermis or hypodermis. The duct extends through the layer of the epidermis. The

function of eccrine sweat glands is regulating human body temperature. It regulates body

temperature by secreting sweat through sweat pore to the surface of the skin. The release of

sweat also considered as excretion in metabolic sweat. The constituent of sweat is majority

water and the minority are sodium hydroxide, potassium, ammonia, urea, lactate, uric acid,

creatinine and creatine, amino acids, sugars, epidermal growth factor, immunoglobulin A,

hormones, enzymes and vitamins.

2.2 Latent Fingerprint

Latent fingerprint, the word ‘latent’ which bring the meaning of invisible or hidden or

unseen(4,8,11,16,18). It is the most common type of undetectable physical evidence that can

be found at a crime scene(6). Fingerprint considered as valuable evidence in a crime scene.

This is because it will help in identification of the person of interest in forensic science. A latent

fingerprint is invisible to the naked eye, therefore enhancement technique on it is a necessary

process for it to be made visible. The enhancement process can be done through either physical

13

or chemical methods(13). A latent fingerprint can be divided into 2 types. There are eccrine

fingerprint and sebaceous fingerprint.

2.2.1 Eccrine Fingerprint

An eccrine fingerprint is a type of latent fingerprint composed of the secretion from eccrine

glands. Eccrine glands are known as sweat glands that present in almost everywhere of a human

body. Eccrine glands are normally present in the area that is hairless, (e.g. palm and soles). The

3 functional roles of eccrine glands in the human body help in thermoregulation, excretion and

protection(22,30). Eccrine glands help to reduce heat by releasing sweat from our body.

Besides that, it also helps to excrete excess water out from our body directly through the

opening of the sweat pores on the surface of the skin. It also acts as a protective layer by secrete

sweat, which contains water and sodium hydroxide that can prevent the colonization of bacteria

and pathogen on our skin. Eccrine glands mainly secrete sweat, which is normally a clear and

odorless substance. Sweat mainly consist of 98.5% of water, electrolytes such sodium chloride,

urea and sugar(27). Therefore, an eccrine fingerprint is composed of the secretion such as

water, sodium chloride, urea and sugar particles. The amount of the secretion will depend on

how much the secretion secreted from the eccrine glands. There are few factors influence the

amount of secretion secreted. For instance, the greater the number of functional glands present,

the greater the amount of sweat produced. Furthermore, the wider the sweat pores opened, the

more sweat will be produced and released out from the body. The secretion of a fingerprint is

varying from person to person, day to day and minute to minute(31). There are many factors

affecting the secretion of sweat.

2.2.2 Sebaceous Fingerprint

A sebaceous fingerprint is known as a fingerprint produced with a deposition of natural

residues secreted from sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are glands associated with hair

roots. They are high density in the chest area, back with the greatest abundance on face and

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scalp(21,27). Sebaceous glands are glands that play a role in secreting oil sebum. The oil

sebum that secreted out from sebaceous glands functions as a protective layer that usually

protect skin and hair from water(21). Besides this, the secreted oil sebum will also help in the

absorption of fat-soluble substances. The natural secretion of sebaceous glands is considered

as water-insoluble substances. The constituents of a sebaceous fingerprint are mainly the

water-insoluble substances such as lipid compounds, wax ester, triglycerides and

phospholipids(21,27).

2.3 Friction Ridges

There is a different pattern for the friction ridges. Everyone has their own unique friction ridge

pattern(32). The friction ridge pattern is different from each other. Due to this reason, therefore

friction ridge pattern can be used as a tool for human identification in forensic

science(18,33,34).

Classification of a fingerprint is based on the friction ridge pattern. Sir Francis Galton and Sir

Edward R. Henry are the persons that suggested and proposed the classification of fingerprint

and the subcategories of a fingerprint in forensic science(33,35). “Henry’s Classification” in

the year 1900 is known as the eight subcategories of fingerprint that proposed by Sir Edward

R. Henry(33,35). In the year 1901, it became the basis for criminal-identification records. There

are 3 level of details in friction ridges. The first level details of friction ridge comprised of 3

major patterns. There are loops, whorls and arches(3–5,23,33,36).

2.3.1 First Level of Detail

Loops pattern is the common pattern that can be found in most of the population(33). The

percentage of loops pattern is about 65%. Loops pattern consists of one or more ridges entering

from one side and then make a curve and then exiting from the same side it entered. A loop

pattern is shown below in Figure 2.2. All types of loops consist of a delta and a core(23). A

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delta is known as a triangular shape and a core known as a pattern with a center formation.

Loops pattern can be divided into 2 subcategories. There are radial loops and ulnar loops(33).

Radial loops which the ridge pattern flow from downward and toward the radius while ulnar

loops the ridge pattern flow toward the radius(33). Ulnar loops are considered as a more

common pattern compared to radial loops(33). More people having ulnar loops compared to

radial loops.

The second pattern of friction ridge is known as whorl. Whorl pattern constitute about 35% of

the pattern encountered(36). In a whorls pattern, there are a circular or circles within circles

pattern for the ridge flow. A whorl pattern is shown below in Figure 2.2. Each whorls pattern

might have at least 2 deltas and a core(23). There are 4 subcategories can be observed under

whorls pattern. There are plain whorls, central pocket whorls, double loops whorls and

accidental loops whorls(33). Plain whorls is a ridge pattern that looks like a bull eye which is

a concentric circle or a spiral(33). A central pocket whorls which is a ridges pattern that having

a loop that is at least one recurving ridge from one side with a whorls pattern at its end or at

the middle(33). Double loop whorls occur when 2 loops intersect and formed an ‘S’ shaped

pattern(33). Lastly, an accidental loop whorls. It is an irregular shape pattern(33). This ridge

pattern is slightly different compared to other types of whorls pattern.

Arches are the ridges pattern that the ridges line rise at the center and formed a wave-like

pattern(36). The ridges line enter from left side and exit from the right side and a wave shape

form at the center. A arch pattern is shown below in Figure 2.2. Arches pattern is the least

common pattern in a population. It only had 5% of the total percentage(4). This type of ridge

pattern does not have a delta and a core. Plain arches are one of the subcategories for arches

pattern. Plain arches have a gentle wave rise at the center(33). The other subcategories for

arches pattern are tented arches. By comparison with plain arches, tented arches have a steeper

wave rise at the center of the ridge(33).

16

Figure 2.2 : First Level of Details (source from(22)).

2.3.2 Second Level of Detail

The second level details of friction ridge is the type of minutiae. Minutiae are known as the

discontinuities of the friction ridges(4,5). It enables the process of individualisation of an

unknown fingerprint. The uniqueness of minutiae are they are different in locations and also

the types. Everyone friction ridges do not run evenly and unbroken. Sometimes they are broken

and cross to each other. Therefore, it is a unique and special identity for every single person.

Minutiae can be divided into mainly 7 types. The 7 types of minutiae are known as ending

ridge, bifurcations, enclosure, dot or island, short ridge, spurs and bridges(4,5).

Figure 2.3 : Types of Minutiae (source from(22)).

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Ending ridges represented by a simple straight ridge. Bifurcations represented a ridges that

break into two ridges. Enclosure represented by a ridge that forks and forms a complete circle

and then becomes a single ridge again. Dot or island represented a tiny round ridge. Short ridge

referred to a small and isolated segment of a ridge. Spurs is known as a notch branching from

a ridge. Bridges are the small ridge joining two longer adjacents.

2.3.3 Third Level of Detail

The third level of details of friction ridge is the characteristic related to individual ridges width,

size, shape and distribution of pores(23). All these characteristics are different among everyone

in the world. The width of the ridge, the size, the shape and distribution are unique. Nobody

will have the same fingerprint impression even though an identical twin(2).

2.4 Types of Surfaces

There are different types of surface appeared in our daily life. One of the factors that will affect

the quality of fingerprint residues on a surface is the porosity of the substrate(23). The higher

the porosity of the substrate, the greater the fingerprint residues absorption. The smoothness of

the substrate also influences the depth of penetration. The relationship of the smoothness and

depth of penetration is inversely proportional. When the smoothness value is high, the depth

of penetration is lower. The types of surface are broadly divided into 3 major types. There are

known as porous surface, non-porous surface and semi-porous surface(23). These surfaces are

commonly the target substrate of a fingerprint impression.

2.4.1 Porous Surface

Porous surfaces considered as a substrate that is absorbent(23). The porous substrate is able to

absorb any components of fingerprint deposits that are left on it. The absorption will be very

quick. Some example of porous surfaces are paper, cardboard, untreated wood and another

form of cellulose. When fingerprint deposits are left on a porous surface, some of the

components of fingerprint deposits will be absorbed and penetrate into the surface. There are

18

water soluble and water insoluble components in the fingerprint deposits. Several hours after

deposition, water will be evaporated and water-soluble components such as amino acid will be

absorbed and penetrate into the porous substrate. After penetration, the amino acid components

tend to remain stationary and do not further migrate. Some of the water-soluble components

such as urea and sodium chloride will further be absorbed and penetrate into the porous

substrate after few weeks. The water-insoluble components will remain on the top of the

substrate even after few weeks of deposition. Fingerprint impression on a porous substrate will

be well preserved under normal environmental condition. The fingerprint impression is

considered much durable compared to fingerprint impression on a porous substrate and semi-

porous substrate. The fingerprint impression will not be removed due to the adsorption and

penetration of fingerprint deposits. Although fingerprint deposits can penetrate into the porous

substrate, the environmental condition such as the relative humidity and the degree of porosity

of the surfaces will also influence the result of penetration. When the relative humidity is high,

penetration of the fingerprint deposit will be faster. Furthermore, the higher the degree of

porosity, the further the penetration of fingerprint deposits. The enhancement techniques that

normally used on this type of surface are ninhydrin and other enhancement techniques

associated with amino acid(31).

19

Figure 2.4 : Aging of a latent fingerprint on a porous substrate (source from (22)).

2.4.2 Non-porous Surface

Non-porous surfaces are known as non-absorbent(23). A non-porous substrate is not able to

absorb any component of fingerprint deposits that are left on it. Water-soluble components and

water-insoluble components that have been transferred will remain on the surface of a non-

porous substrate for a period of time without penetration ocurring. Some examples of non-

porous surfaces are glass, metal and plastic. When natural residues of fingerprint transferred to

a non-porous substrate, no absorption occurs. Several hours after deposition, both water soluble

and water insoluble components will still remain on the top of a non-porous substrate.

Shrinkage will result due to evaporation of water and other volatile substances. After several

weeks of deposition, the deposits of a fingerprint will be degraded through a physical, chemical

and biological process. Fingerprint impression on a non-porous substrate tends to be more

fragile compared to fingerprint impression on a porous substrate(10). Fingerprint residues will

20

easily be rubbed off as the fingerprint residues are all present at the outermost surface. The

fingerprint impression will also more susceptible to damage due to environmental effects. For

instances, the temperature of the surrounding, relative humidity and the degree of porosity of

the substrate(37). All of these environmental factors need to be considered. The common

method used to enhance a latent fingerprint impression on this surface is powdering method

and superglue fuming(7,38).

Figure 2.5 : Aging of a latent fingerprint on a nonporous substrate (source from (22)).

2.4.3 Semi-porous Surface

Semi-porous surfaces are a substrate that cannot be characterised as a porous or a non-porous

substrate(23). This is because a semi-porous surface has the intermediate characteristics. It

normally has a smooth surface but still, have the characteristic of being absorbent(23). A semi-

porous substrate can resist and absorbs the component of fingerprint deposits left on it.

Absorbent properties allow the moisture and oily components on the surface to penetrate into

it while the non-absorbent properties repel the moisture and oily components on the

surfaces(13). Some examples of semi-porous surfaces are polymer banknotes, glossy and

waxed paper, some painted surfaces and some finished wood(23). Some semi-porous substrate

21

will absorb water-soluble components but the process of absorption will be slower when

compared to absorption of fingerprint deposits into a porous substrate. For the water-insoluble

components, the period for the components to remain on the top of a surface of the semi-porous

substrate is much longer compared to porous surfaces. For this type of surfaces, the

enhancement methods that can be used are mixture method of both porous and non-porous

surface(23).

2.5 Powdering method

Powdering method is the oldest and common method used in fingerprint detection(12).

Fingerprint powdering method started in the 19th century(11,13). It is a physical method. This

method involved a simple and easy procedure which is dusting a latent fingerprint with a brush

with powder(11). Powdering method relies on a principle of adherence of tiny and fine powder

particle towards oily and moisture residue left on friction ridges(10). The small powder

particles will attach to the residues due to the presence of resinous polymer(13). The resinous

polymer in fingerprint powder helps powder particles in adhesion process during fingerprint

powdering(17). The only consideration for this process is the contact of a fingerprint brush.

The contact of fingerprint brush might cause damage to the fragile fingerprint(10).

2.5.1 Carbon Black Powder

Carbon black powder is the most widely used fingerprint powder in forensic science for

developing a latent fingerprint. Carbon black powder is considered as an almost pure form of

element carbon powder(39). The powder particle size is about 80 nm to 800 nm(10). Carbon

black powder is the most finely divided materials. Due to the small particle size, it has a high

surface area. High surface area of the powder makes it work effectively when powdering a

latent fingerprint. The powder particles also have strong adsorption properties that allow

adherence of the powder particles towards the residues on the friction ridges pattern(10). It is

22

a versatile and effective fingerprint powder. Sometimes, carbon black powder will mix with

another carrier. The carrier will allow this carbon black powder used on different types and

colours of surfaces. The result of the latent fingerprint after powdering might be dark grey

colour on the light background while light colour on glossy black surfaces. The details of a

latent fingerprint can be developed. But sometimes the result of a latent fingerprint is not

obvious on dark background or surfaces. Besides this, carbon black powder also has some

limitation. It may pose a health hazard to human(13,19,20). Some reports state that carbon

black powder can cause respiratory disease and toxic effect(19). But there is also report said

that after long-term exposure to carbon black powder, there is no significant evidence proved

that cancer or other disease happened. There is also don’t have enough evidence proved that

acute and chronic toxic effects due to exposure of human to carbon black powder(13). Although

the findings are reported as such but while handling with carbon black powder during

fingerprint powdering, protective mask and gloves are still needed as a protective barrier.

2.5.2 Turmeric Powder

Curcuma longa belongs to family Zingiberaceae(40). In Indian culture, turmeric is also known

as Indian saffron, Curcuma, Haridra and Haldi(40). The physical appearance of the Curcuma

longa is having a short stem and tufted leaves. It is about 120 to 150 cm(40). It is a perennial

herb. Curcuma Longa which is a rhizomatous herbaceous plant that can be processed become

powder form. The powder is known as turmeric powder. The process is from harvest,

collection, cooked, dried and then processed and extracted through solvent or water. The

resultant turmeric powder is yellowish brown in colour. Turmeric powder consists of chemical

constituents such as volatile oil, resin and many Zingiberaceous starch grains(41). Besides this,

other compounds that can be found are phenolic and terpenoids,

diarylheptanoids(curcuminoids), diarylheptanoids, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes,

triterpenoids, alkaloid, steroid and others(41). Curcuminoids are the most important

23

compounds present in turmeric powder. Curcumin is the main constituent of curcuminoids(42).

Curcumin is the compound that gives rise to the yellowish-brown or orange colour of the

powder(41). It is the main active component found in turmeric. These components are insoluble

in water but soluble in ethanol, ketone, acetic acid and chloroform(41). Due to the colourant,

in 2 centuries ago curcumin became a colouring agent commonly used in food preparation and

dyestuff(40). Besides this, curcumin also had a significant role in medical field. It is a

chemopreventive agents on anti-inflammatory and cancer activity. It is useful in colon,

pancreatic and cervical cancer(40). Other than curcumin, some residues of starch also been

found in the curcuminoid compound. In forensic science, turmeric powder had been

successfully used to develop a latent fingerprint(18). A latent fingerprint was revealed due to

the adhesion between the powder particles and the moisture and oily residues found on a latent

fingerprint. Starch compound that have the characteristic of water holding capacity provide a

chance for turmeric powder for adhesion action. Starch particles found in turmeric powder

particles adhere towards the moisture and oily residues on a fingerprint while the curcumin

compound provide a latent fingerprint with a yellowish brown or orange colour(41).

2.5.3 Cinnamon Powder

Cinnamomum zeylanicum, commonly known as cinnamon. It is a tropical evergreen tree as

well as the bark that is extracted from the plant(43–45). It is a type of small evergreen tree

found in a tropical area. I can grow up to 10 to 15 meters tall(44). Cinnamon belongs to the

genus Cinnamomum of the Lauraceae family(45). They originated from the island of Sri Lanka,

which is the south-east of India(43). They grow well in deep, well-drained and moist soil. The

physical appearance is smooth and brown young branches. The leaves are reddish when young

but dark green when mature. The flowers are inconspicuous. The panicles of the yellowish

flowers are longer than leaves. The panicles bear pointed black fruits. The fruit is a purple 1

cm berry containing a single seed. It will turn dark purple or black when mature. Cinnamon is

24

recognized for its sweet and pungent taste. It is normally sold in stick or powder form. The

central part of the bark will be the stick that sold in the market. The stick will be rolled up

naturally when the bark sun-dried(43–45). In cinnamon, there are different useful chemical

compounds. They are an essential oil, resinous compounds, cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde,

cinnamic aldehyde, mucilage, cinnamate, sucrose, starch and tannin. While inside the essential

oil consists of trans-cinnamaldehyde, caryophyllene oxide, L-borneol, L-bornyl acetate,

eugenol, methyl eugenol, B-caryophyllene, E-nerolidol and cinnamyl acetate(45). The active

compound found in cinnamon is cinnamaldehyde. It is responsible for the pungent taste and

scent of the cinnamon(45). When these compounds undergo a process of absorption of oxygen,

they age and will darken in colour and develop resinous compounds. The resinous compound

is responsible for adhesion action between cinnamon and the other material that is in contact.

Cinnamon is very useful and widely used in food, pharmacy, cosmetic, perfumery industries

and religious purposes(45). It is a flavoring ingredient for food. It is safe to be used in food as

the toxicity is very low. Besides this, it consists of antioxidant properties, antifungal properties

and antimicrobial properties(44). Thus, it is also popularly used in medical field. It used to treat

food poisoning, toothache and also fight for bad breath(44). Common cold and digestive

problem has also been solved by cinnamon(45). In conclusion, it is a useful and safe powder

that can be tried to use in latent fingerprint development.

2.5.4 Paprika Powder

Paprika is known as Capsicum annuum, which is a type of red chili powder(46). It comes from

the family of Solanaceae(46). It is a type of plant that originated from South Mexico. Paprika

normally grows well in a warm climate. This is necessary for a strong aroma. Paprika that

grows in Europe and Hungarian had a good reputation. Its flavors are ranging from sweet and

mild to spicy and hot. The chemical compounds that found in paprika are fixed oil,

capsaicinoids, volatile oil and carotenoid pigments(46,47). The biologically active compounds

25

in the paprika are flavonoid, phenols, carotenoids, capsaicinoids and vitamins. Paprika powder

is popular with its brilliant red colour. Due to this reason, paprika is widely been used in food

preparation, food colouring and food flavoring(46). Capsicum fruits have a colouring pigment,

pungent smell, resins, protein, cellulose, pentosans, mineral elements and very little volatile

oil(46). The present of capsanthin and capsorubin is mainly played a role in the colour(46). It

is safe for a human to consume and use. Therefore, it is a good choice to be tried as a fingerprint

powder in latent fingerprint development.

2.6 Qualitative Assessment

Qualitative assessment is a determination of the quality of fingerprint developed based on few

processes. The quality of a fingerprint developed are based on the Level 1, 2 and 3 details(23).

Level 1 detail is comprised of the overall ridge flow of a fingerprint(23). Level 2 is related to

individual friction ridge path and their events such as dots, ending ridges and bifurcations and

also their arrangements(23). Level 3 detail is according to the structure of the ridge and also

their arrangements(23).

2.6.1 SWGFAST Quality Assessment (ACE-V)

According to SWGFAST standard, human friction ridge pattern are extremely complex, unique

and also persistent in their morphology structure(34). A fingerprint developed may display by

different type of features. The features are varying in their quality and specificity to the original

fingerprint. Therefore, the qualitative assessment needs to be conducted through a process of

ACE-V(34). ACE-V is standing for process analysis, comparison, evaluation and

verification(34). It is considered as a qualitative and quantitative assessment. All the process

are proceed based on the ridge flow, ridge path and their arrangement on the skin.

During the analysis phase, suitability of the fingerprint will be determined for further

comparison. Suitability is known as the determination if there are enough quality and quantity

of friction ridge features in an impression for the following step. The quality of the fingerprint

26

will be determined by the clarity of the observed features while the quantity of the fingerprint

will according to the number of features and area(34).

During the comparison phase, a side-by-side comparison will be conducted by the

examiner(35). It involves the determination of the similarity and dissimilarity between two

fingerprints(34). The two fingerprints are normally the unknown fingerprint from a crime scene

and the known fingerprint is the fingerprint in the fingerprint profile. The fingerprint profile

are normally the known fingerprint that used for the comparison purpose in an investigation(3).

During the evaluation phase, a determination is made of whether the information is sufficient

to form a conclusion or not. If it is not, the reassessment should be carried out from the analysis

stage. If it is yes, then the examination can proceed to the following stage. The 3 important

conclusion in this phase is exclusion, individualisation and inconclusive. Exclusion is that there

is enough information to conclude that both fingerprints do not come from the same origin(23).

Individualisation is referring to there is sufficient information to conclude that both fingerprints

come from the same origin. Inconclusive meant that the fingerprint developed is of a poor

quality that cannot further proceed. It needs to be reassessed and re-examined.

In this SWGFAST examination, the quality of the fingerprint will be based on the comparison

Level 1, 2 and 3 features shown in the below table.

27

Table 2.1 : Categories of quality defined as a function of levels of details observed.

Quality of Fingerprint

High

Level 1 is distinct; Level 2 details are distinct; There are

abundant distinct Level 3 details.

Medium-

High

Level 1 is distinct; Most of the level 2 details are distinct;

There are minimal distinct Level 3 details.

Medium

Low

Level 1 is distinct; Few of the level 2 details are distinct; There

are minimal distinct Level 3 details.

Low

Level 1 may not be distinct; Most of the Level 2 details are

indistinct; There are no distinct Level 3 details.

2.6.2 Bandey Five Point Scoring System

Bandey Five Point Scoring System is also one of the assessment for fingerprint’s quality(48).

It was developed by UK Home Office(48). It is known as a system that can be used to evaluate

the quality of fingerprint impression after enhancement. This Bandey Five Point Scoring

System normally will not be used in legal proceedings(48). This is due to the lack of specific

evaluation. The fingerprint quality which is grade for 3 or 4 can only be used as comparison

for the further assessment.

28

Table 2.2 : Bandey fingerprint grading scheme (Source from (48)).

Grade Description

0 No development

1 No continuous ridges: all discontinuous or dotty

2

One-third of the mark comprised of continuous ridges; remainder

either show no development or dotty

3

Two third of the mark comprised of continuous ridges; remainder

either show no development or dotty

4 Full development; whole mark comprised of continuous ridges

2.7 Previous powdering enhancement method on Latent Fingerprint

In the past, different materials are used as the powder used in development for a latent

fingerprint. Researchers tried on different materials to find a most suitable, low cost and non-

toxic material to substitute traditional powder(2). Some researcher found that the fingerprint

powders that used previously consist of the component that can endanger human

health(19,20,49). This issue has been reported by Sodhi et al. during the year 2003 and 2004.

At the year 2004, again Sodhi and Kaur mentioned that the same issue in the paper of a novel

fingerprint powder which is based on rhodamine B dye(49). Garg et al. also mentioned that

some component in fingerprint powder can pose a health hazard problem to human that contact

frequently with those fingerprint powder that used previously(18). Rabjerg et al. found that

lead fingerprint powder caused mild lead intoxication on the officer that always in contact with

lead powder while developing a fingerprint(13). Furthermore, Barsan and Bresler also

concluded that the chemical composition that presents in the fingerprint powder caused a health

hazard to those officers that exposure to it(13). During inhalation, human inhaled different

29

particle into human lungs. Some fingerprint powder consists of aluminum, calcium, zinc, iron,

magnesium and nickel(13). The powder form of these particles can be inhaled into lung easily

in the varying amount. This phenomenon posed a health hazard to the person who used it. Van

Netten et al. reported that skin disorder and visual disorder are found in those officers that

exposure to fingerprint powder(13). Due to these reasons and evidence, Garg et al. invented a

fingerprint powder from natural plant and also a type of Indian spice. It is a powder from a

rhizomatous herbaceous plant(Curcuma longa)(18). Organic powder and spices recently are

popular in fingerprint development. This is because this type of powder safe to be used by the

human.

Powdering method work based on the principle of adherence between the powder particle and

the natural residue present on the friction ridges. Sodhi et al. investigated fingerprint powder

based on rhodamine B dye, he found that fingerprint powder will be attached to the moisture

and oily component that present in the deposition of skin friction ridges(49). This theory also

supports by the same author while investigating fingerprint powder formulation based on azure

II dye and organic, fluorescent dyes(19,20). Furthermore, Kumari et al. also supported this

theory by his studies in the visualization of a latent fingerprint using synthetic food and festival

powder(12). He stated that fingerprint powder consists of two significant components that are

resinous polymer and colourant(12). Resinous polymer plays a role in adherence action during

powdering(17). Colourant function in giving contrast result to the development of latent

fingerprint with the background surface(17). These two components are commonly present in

regular fingerprint powder. This statement has also been suggested by Garg et al, Sodhi and

Kaur et al. in their previous studies. Badiye and Kapoor et al. did mention in their studies on

Robin powder that powder particles size is an important factor that needs to consider during

powdering. They found that the smaller the fingerprint powder particles, the more powder

particles attached to moisture and oily components formed on the ridges pattern(10,13). By

30

comparison between the particle size of powder, they found that bigger size of powder particles

will have less binding to the residues on friction ridges. This proved that smaller the size of

powder particles is ideal for the development of latent fingerprint(10).

In these researchers’ studies, there still have some limitation on the powders they invented or

used. Sodhi et al. investigated the use of rhodamine B dye, azure I and II dye, organic and

fluorescent dye based on phloxine B and fluorescent dye on the development of latent

fingerprint impression on different surfaces. In his studies, he found that rhodamine B dye,

azure I and II dye, organic and fluorescent dyes were used to develop latent fingerprint

impression on a wide range of surfaces. Even though on multi-coloured surfaces as well. Good

quality print can be developed by these powders on surfaces such as glassware, polythene bags,

steel handles, polished furniture, refrigerators and so on. But majority surfaces that can provide

good quality of print impression were still non-adsorbent surfaces(19,20,49).

Badiye and Kapoor et al. reported that Robin R powder blue can be used to develop latent

fingerprint impression on different surfaces. In their experiment, they found that Robin R

powder blue is highly useful to develop the latent print. The result of the fingerprint impression

was clearly visible. Good contrast of fingerprint impression was observed from a bright and

dark coloured background. Visible and clear detail of the pattern of friction ridges is observed

on surfaces such as pen drive, the front of the credit card, glossy paper, back of the phone,

keyboard, mouse and the magnetic strip of a credit card(10).

The limitation found was these powder only effective on non-porous and some semi-porous

surfaces. It is not all surfaces been tested. For instances, porous surfaces like normal paper and

newspaper cannot develop a good and clear ridge detail with these powder. This is because the

porous surface is known as adsorbent surfaces which can which absorb the moisture and oily

secretion into it immediately. The powder particle cannot be attached to the moisture and oily

residues on the friction ridges thus no clear and good result of the fingerprint obtained.

31

The use of natural materials as the powder for fingerprint development become more and more

popular in the forensic field. Recently some researcher is testing on different spices, synthetic

food and festival colour powder on the latent fingerprint on different substrates. Kumari et al.

investigated the use of synthetic food and festival colour as a powder for fingerprint

development(12). In his findings, commonly used food colour and colour powder that used

during Indian Holi festival are highly efficacious in latent fingerprint development(12). The

result shown was different between a sweat print and sebum print(12). Sweat print had a clear

and visible result on aluminum foil surface(12). Sebum print was much easier to be developed

on CD surfaces, normal paper, aluminum foil, aluminum sheet and top of a CD(12). Synthetic

food and the festival colour were known as a useful agent to substitute conventional fingerprint

powder. This is because it is less expensive compared to the conventional fingerprint.

Furthermore, it is easily available as it is the common ingredient in Indian culture. The

weakness in this studies, latent prints on a writing surface of CD which is smooth texture and

glossy has not been examined. The stability of the fingerprint also has not been tested(12).

A study on powder from Curcuma longa which is also known as turmeric, Garg et al. reported

that this Indian spices powder can be used on visualization of latent fingerprints on various

surfaces. Turmeric is considered as a rhizomatous herbaceous plant(18). Turmeric powder was

highly efficient on visualisation of latent fingerprints on normal paper, bond paper, thermal

paper, aluminum foil, transparency sheet, wood, plastic sheet, painted steel and also the top

and writing surface of the CD(18). The development of latent fingerprint by turmeric powder

done successfully as the ridges detail that been observed are clearly visible on a different

surface that been tested in this studies. This is because Garg et al. found that the carbonyl and

hydroxyl group from curcumin component of the turmeric formed a hydrogen bond with the

fatty acid of the sebum residues(18). Therefore, the success adherence of the powder particles

32

toward the moisture and oily residues on the friction ridges pattern lead to a visible result of

the latent fingerprint development(18).

Turmeric powder was such a perfect substituent for the conventional fingerprint powder but

the flaw that been mentioned by the author itself were turmeric powder can be used on majority

surfaces except for the skin(18). Turmeric cannot be used as a powder for development of latent

print on the skin. Furthermore, the author also didn’t look deep into the different condition that

might influence the development of fingerprint. The condition such as humidity and

temperature, season variation and so on need to be considered as the author mentioned in his

study. Recently, some news also reported that the turmeric powder sold commercially been

adulteration. Normally turmeric powder is sold by weight but not quality, business people want

to earn the profit by added some cheaper agent which looks similar colour as turmeric to

substitute the true turmeric powder. The cheaper agent might be added are such as lead II oxide,

lead IV oxide and metanil yellow which is an illegal dye that been used in food(18). If these

agents are added to turmeric powder that going to be used as fingerprint powder, it will also

pose a health hazard issue to human that get in contact. Lead II oxide may lead to fatal if

inhaled(30). Besides that, it is also an irritation to skin, eye and respiratory tract(30). Lead IV

oxide may cause local irritation and pain to skin and eye if get in contac(30)t. These are the

serious issue that needs to focus on as this is dealing with health and life.

33

3.0 Experimental Aims and Hypothesis

From the research presented in this literature review, it has been demonstrated that turmeric

powder had been used in the development of latent fingerprint. The results proved that turmeric

powder which is the powder made from a rhizomatous herbaceous plant(Curcuma longa)

successfully developed fingerprint on 9 different surfaces. The 9 different surfaces are

composed of a porous surface, non-porous surface and semi-porous surface. Thus, the

experiment dictated by this literature review aims to verify the results by using Turmeric

powder for development of latent fingerprint. Furthermore, the research will be expanded by

comparing the results of fingerprint developed by using Turmeric powder and other commonly

available spices powder such as paprika and cinnamon with the conventional fingerprint

powder, which is the carbon black powder, on the porous, non-porous and semi-porous surface.

Hypothesis 1

H0: The fingerprint developed on a porous surface by using Turmeric, Cinnamon and Paprika

powder will not better than the result of traditional carbon black powder.

H1: The fingerprint developed on a porous surface by using Turmeric, Cinnamon and Paprika

powder will better than the result of traditional carbon black powder.

Hypothesis 2

H0: The fingerprint developed on a non-porous surface by using Turmeric, Cinnamon and

Paprika powder will not better than the result of traditional carbon black powder.

H1: The fingerprint developed on a non-porous surface by using Turmeric, Cinnamon and

Paprika powder will better than the result of traditional carbon black powder.

Hypothesis 3

H0: The fingerprint developed on a semi-porous surface by using Turmeric, Cinnamon and

Paprika powder will not better than the result of traditional carbon black powder.

34

H1: The fingerprint developed on a semi-porous surface by using Turmeric, Cinnamon and

Paprika powder will better than the result of traditional carbon black powder.

4.0 Conclusion

In conclusion, the fingerprint is a valuable physical evidence in a criminal case. The

development of latent fingerprint is very important for a criminal case. It is an important key

to find out the person of interest. Powdering method is the simplest and most common

procedure used for developing a latent fingerprint. The only concern is that do not over-

brushing a fingerprint as a fingerprint is really a fragile evidence. It is easy to be destroyed.

Besides this, it is important to invent powders which are cost-effective, non-toxic and effective

on different surfaces such as porous, non-porous and semi-porous surfaces. The studies show

that turmeric powder successfully to be used as fingerprint powder due to the presence of

resinous component and colourant. Besides this, it is also found that starch component that

presents in turmeric powder have the capacity to hold water. It is useful during adhesion of

powder particles to the oily and moisture residue deposited on a fingerprint. Exploration of the

chemical composition of both cinnamon and paprika also show that having the criteria needed

as fingerprint powders. The test to develop a latent fingerprint by cinnamon powder and paprika

powder is necessary to be conducted. It is the easiest way to assess both the cinnamon powder

and paprika powder in order to be suggested for the use as fingerprint powder in powdering

method in future.

35

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2

Part Two

Manuscript NOVEL POWDER METHODS FOR THE VISUALIZATION OF LATENT FINGERPRINTS

: THE CASE FOR TURMERIC AND OTHER SPICES

3

Novel Powder Methods For the Visualization Of Latent Fingerprints : The

Case For Turmeric And Other Spices

Yi RAX1, Coumbaros J1,2 1School of Veterinary and Life Science, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA,

6150 2Forensic Science Laboratory, ChemCentre, Corner Manning Road and Townsing Drive,

Bentley, WA, 6102

ABSTRACT

Various methods have been reported by researchers for the development of latent fingerprint

on different surfaces. The latent fingerprint that cannot be seen by naked eyes are commonly

developed by powdering method. This paper presents the verification result of Turmeric

powder used as fingerprint powder on different surfaces. The results show that Turmeric

powder can be used effectively on non-porous surfaces for sebaceous fingerprint but for eccrine

fingerprint the results were not as good as conventional carbon black powder. Furthermore,

this current research also presents a new powder material which is Cinnamon for development

of latent fingerprint on different surfaces. Cinnamon powder, a common ingredient that used

while cooking or baking, is a cheap, non-toxic and easily available powder that can be used for

development of latent fingerprint. It was found that it gives clear and rich details of sebaceous

fingerprint, particularly on non-porous surfaces. The Paprika powder also been proved that was

a poor material to powder dusting a latent fingerprint.

Keywords : latent fingerprint, powdering, turmeric, cinnamon, non-porous surface

INTRODUCTION

Fingerprints are known as a whole of life identifying feature of every individual(1–3). They

are unchangeable and unique for every single person(4,5). In a crime scene, fingerprints are

used as a medium to find out the person of interest involved in a crime. Fingerprints are

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valuable physical evidence that may be found in a crime scene(6). Fingerprints are formed due

to the transfer of natural residues secreted from human body’s gland to the surface of substrate.

The formation of fingerprint is based on the pattern of friction ridges on finger. Human body

consists of different glands. For instances, eccrine glands, sebaceous glands and apocrine

glands. The natural residues present on the friction ridges are secreted from these glands.

Eccrine glands are found on the majority area of human body(7,8). It produces sweat mainly

made of 99% of water components(9). Sebaceous glands are normally found on the chest area,

back with greatest abundance on face and scalp(9,10). It plays a role in secreting oil sebum that

act as a protective layer of human skin and hair(10). Fingerprints are divided into 3 major types

but the most common types encountered in a crime scene are latent fingerprint. A latent

fingerprint is an invisible fingerprint that may be left by an individual(2,11–14). Latent

fingerprint cannot be seen with naked eye. Some enhancement process is needed for the

visualisation of the latent fingerprint. The enhancement process can be done either in physical

or chemical methods(15). Physical way method on normally non-destructive to a latent

fingerprint itself while chemical method are considered destructive to a latent fingerprint. The

traditional method that commonly used for visualization of a latent fingerprint is known as

powdering method(16). Powdering is the oldest method used in enhancement and visualisation

of latent fingerprints. This method has been used since the 19’s century(12,15). There are

always natural residues present on our friction ridges, secreted from our sweat glands. The

composition of the natural residues are normally water particles, oil sebum and others

components such as amino acids, mineral salts and more(9). Fingerprint powdering is based on

the principle of adherence action between powder particles towards the natural residues found

on the friction ridges(12,15,17–20). Powder particles will adhere to the oily and moisture

components and develop a fingerprint(18). Fingerprint powders normally consist of two

important components. There are colourant and resinous polymer(14,16). The presence of

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colourant will play a role in provide contrast to the background while resinous polymer will

play a role in adhesion action(14–16,21). It is very important as a latent fingerprint is invisible,

presence of colourant make it to be visible and resinous polymer in the powder make the

powder particles to stick on the pattern of friction ridges and form a complete fingerprint.

Furthermore, this fingerprint can be seen with our naked eyes. Previous researchers found

different method to enhance and visualise an invisible latent fingerprint. The four most

common method that used for the development of latent fingerprint are powdering dusting,

ninhydrin dipping, iodine fuming and silver nitrate soaking(14). Although these methods are

highly effective on development of latent fingerprint on a wide range of substrate there are also

some limitations(14). Some of the method cannot be used on surfaces such as porous surfaces.

Different powders had been used in powdering dusting by researchers for the development of

latent fingerprint on different substrates. The limitation of the previous powders are some of

the powders are toxic and can pose potential health hazards(14,15,22). Due to this reason, a

new powders that is non-toxic, easily available and effective on different substrates is needed

for development of latent fingerprint.

Turmeric which is a rhizomatous herbaceous plant. It can be processed become powder form.

Curcuminoids is the most significant compound. Curcumin is the main constituents of

curcuminoids(23). Curcumin is the compound that responsible and gives rise to the yellowish-

brown or orange colour to the powder(24). In 2 centuries ago, curcumin became a popular

colouring agent in food preparation and dyestuff(25). In forensic science, turmeric powder had

been successfully helps to develop a latent fingerprint(14).

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is a small evergreen tree in the tropical area(26–28).

Cinnamon is the powder from it bark after dried and ground. The active compound in cinnamon

is cinnamaldehyde. It is responsible for the taste and scent of the cinnamon(26–28). When these

compounds undergo a process of absorption of oxygen, it will become aged and it will be

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darkened in color. The resinous polymer also present in cinnamon as well. It is responsible for

the adhesion action.

Paprika (Capsicum annum), a type of red chili powder(29), originated from South Mexico.

Capsanthin and capsorubin are the two coloring compounds that can be found in paprika(29).

Paprika powder is popular with its brilliant red color. Due to this factors, paprika is widely

been used in food preparation and food coloring.

In this present study, a preliminary demonstration has been made to develop latent fingerprint

with commonly used cinnamon and paprika, common spices used in Indian culture for dishes.

This type of work has not been reported in the literature earlier and can provide useful

information to the fingerprint experts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Preparation of substrates

Three different group of substrates were purchased. Porous surfaces: a normal paper was

purchased from Kmart Australia while untreated plywood was purchased from Riot gift shop

in Australia. Semi-porous surfaces: a thermal paper was purchased from Officeworks Australia.

A glossy paper was collected from the unwanted magazine. Lastly, non-porous surfaces glass

slides made in China were collected from Murdoch university lab. Aluminium foil made in

China was purchased from Coles Australia.

Eccrine Fingerprint

Six test latent fingerprints were collected from each subject on different substrates, which

included porous surfaces, non-porous surfaces and semi-porous surfaces. The surfaces were

aluminum foil, glass slides, normal paper, untreated plywood, glossy paper and thermal paper

respectively. For collecting test latent fingerprints of pure sweat each subject was asked to wash

his/her hands with hand soap and rinse with water. The hands were then allowed to dry with

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paper towel and then hands were enclosed by wearing hand gloves. The subject was asked to

wait for 20 minutes and then transferred the test latent fingerprints on each substrate

respectively. The subject was asked to rub his/her hands after each time of deposition. Each

subject was requested to deposit a triplicate set of the fingerprint on substrates.

Sebaceous Fingerprint

Six test latent fingerprints were collected from each subject on different substrates, which

included porous surfaces, non-porous surfaces and semi-porous surfaces. The surfaces were

aluminum foil, glass slides, normal paper, untreated plywood, glossy paper and thermal paper

respectively. For collecting test latent fingerprints of sebum each subject was asked to wash

his/her hands with hand soap and rinse with water. The hands were then allowed to dry with

paper towel. The subject was asked to rub his/her forehead or face to attach the sebum present.

After that, the test latent fingerprints were transferred on each substrate respectively. The

subject was asked to rub his/her forehead or face after each time of deposition. Each subject

was requested to deposit a triplicate set of the fingerprint on substrates.

Powder Dusting

In order to develop a latent fingerprint with the help of Turmeric powder, a package of pure

commercially available Turmeric powder was taken and then further ground in a coffee grinder

in the fine form for 10 seconds. This in order to get a very fine powder size but no particle size

was measured as there is lack of equipment for measuring purpose in this study. The powder

was kept in a container and stored in room temperature condition. The process was similar to

the cinnamon and Paprika powder as well. The powder was then applied towards the test latent

fingerprints by a fingerprint brush through dusting process. The excess powder was removed

by tapping in order to develop a clear and rich details fingerprint. Care must be taken during

powder dusting on the test latent fingerprint. When the fingerprint brush gets contact with the

test latent fingerprint, it might destroy the fingerprint and hence the friction ridges pattern. The

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experiment carried out in the month of May. The average temperature range was 25 – 30-degree

Celsius. The average humidity was 25 -35 %.

Fingerprint Quality Evaluation

The result of the developed fingerprint was captured by Nikon D5500 DSLR camera. Further

evaluation of the quality of the developed fingerprint was performed by Bandey scoring

system.

Fingerprint Comparative Evaluation

Conventional carbon black powder was used in this experiment in order to give the comparative

evaluation of the newly used powders (ie. Turmeric powder, Cinnamon powder and Paprika

powder).

RESULT

There are 2 different types of fingerprint had been used in current studies. The 2 types of

fingerprint were eccrine fingerprint and sebaceous fingerprint. Different powders such as

Turmeric powder, Cinnamon powder and Paprika powder were used for the powder dusting on

these types of fingerprint on different substrates. The substrates were broadly divided into 3

major categories. There are non-porous, semi-porous and porous surfaces. In order to compare

the result of the developed fingerprint, conventional carbon black powder also been used as a

reference for comparative purposes.

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Eccrine fingerprint

Conventional carbon black powder

Table 3 : Scoring results for Eccrine Fingerprint on various substrates powdering with

Conventional carbon black powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Eccrine Fingerprint

0 0 0 0 4 0

Figure 6 : Development of Eccrine fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Conventional carbon black powder.

Turmeric powder

Table 4 : Scoring results for Eccrine Fingerprint on various substrates powdering with

Turmeric powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Eccrine Fingerprint

0 0 0 0 3 0

Figure 7 : Development of Eccrine fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Turmeric powder.

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Cinnamon powder

Table 5 : Scoring results for Eccrine Fingerprint on various substrates powdering with

Cinnamon powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Eccrine Fingerprint

0 0 0 0 2 0

Figure 8 : Development of Eccrine fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Cinnamon powder.

Paprika powder

Table 6 : Scoring results for Eccrine Fingerprint on various substrates powdering with Paprika

powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Eccrine Fingerprint

0 0 0 0 0 0

Figure 9 : Development of Eccrine fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Paprika powder.

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Based on Bandey Scoring system, Paprika powder was not effective to be used to develop

eccrine latent fingerprint. The scoring was all 0 which meant that no development at all by

using Paprika powder. Paprika powder did not develop latent fingerprint on any types of

surfaces. The result obtained from conventional carbon black powder, Turmeric powder and

Cinnamon powder were similar. All these three powders cannot develop latent fingerprint on

both porous and semi-porous substrates. The scoring was 0. No development is shown on the

substrate after powdering. The only difference is on non-porous surfaces, Conventional carbon

black powder obtained a score of 4; Turmeric powder is 3; Cinnamon powder is 2. These results

were obtained for glass slide surface. All details and ridges pattern of the fingerprint was

developed with conventional carbon black powder. Turmeric powder and Cinnamon powder

can be used to develop latent fingerprint but some details cannot be seen. While for non-porous

aluminium foil surfaces, the results were also 0 which is no latent fingerprint development at

all. The other 2 set of results refer to Appendix.

Sebaceous fingerprint

Conventional carbon black powder

Table 7 : Scoring results for Sebaceous Fingerprint on various substrates powdering with

Conventional carbon black powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Sebaceous Fingerprint

2 1 1 2 4 4

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Figure 10 : Development of Sebaceous fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Conventional carbon black powder.

Turmeric powder

Table 8 : Scoring results for Sebaceous Fingerprint on various substrates powdering with

Turmeric powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Sebaceous Fingerprint

1 1 0 0 4 4

Figure 11 : Development of Sebaceous fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Turmeric powder.

Cinnamon powder

Table 9 : Scoring results for Sebaceous Fingerprint on various substrates powdering with

Cinnamon powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Sebaceous Fingerprint

1 1 0 0 4 4

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Figure 12 : Development of Sebaceous fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Cinnamon powder.

Paprika powder

Table 10 : Scoring results for Sebaceous Fingerprint on various substrates powdering with

Paprika powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Sebaceous Fingerprint

1 1 0 0 1 0

Figure 13 : Development of Sebaceous fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Paprika powder.

The quality of the developed latent fingerprint was ranking based on the Bandey scoring

system. The results are shown in Tables 5-8. All the powders except Paprika worked well

develop to the latent fingerprint on non-porous substrates (glass slides and aluminium foil).

The scoring obtained from non-porous substrates were 4. The latent fingerprints were well

developed with clear and rich fingerprint details for those 3 powders. While Paprika powder

achieved score of 1 for glass slide and 0 for aluminium foil. With Paprika powder, it either

cannot develop at all or can only developed the outline of the latent fingerprint. On the semi-

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porous substrate and porous substrates, the result were not that good as non-porous surfaces

after powder dusting by using Turmeric powder, Cinnamon powder and Paprika powder. The

latent fingerprint cannot be seen on glossy paper and thermal paper, thus the score were 0.

While on porous substrate, the outline of the latent fingerprint can only be seen after powder

dusting with Turmeric powder, Cinnamon powder and Paprika powder. By using conventional

carbon black powder, latent fingerprint can be developed but only the outline of the fingerprint

and parts of the details of the ridges pattern. The score on untreated plywood surface and glossy

paper were 1, the only thing can be developed was the outline of the sebaceous latent

fingerprint. The details of ridges were all cannot be developed by using conventional carbon

black powder. Conventional carbon black powder was still can be used to develop sebaceous

latent fingerprint on normal paper and thermal paper. The developed fingerprint was the outline

and some of the details of the fingerprint ridges pattern only. Therefore the score was 2. The

other 2 sets of result refer to Appendix.

Discussion

The main objective of this study was to verify the results by using Turmeric powder for

development of latent fingerprint. Besides this, this study also compared the used of

conventional carbon black powder with commonly available spices powder such as turmeric,

cinnamon and paprika on the development of latent fingerprint on the porous, non-porous and

semi-porous surface. Both objectives were evaluated by looking at the quality of the developed

latent fingerprint.

Eccrine Fingerprint

Eccrine fingerprint considered as fingerprint that consists of natural residues secreted from

eccrine glands(7–9,30). Sweat glands on human palm play a role in excretion(7,8). The

deposited product on human ridges pattern after transferred to substrate will be eccrine

fingerprint. Girod et al mentioned that natural residues that can be found on an eccrine

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fingerprint are water, sodium hydroxide, electrolytes, urea and sugar components(9). Major

products are water. Results shown that conventional carbon black powder, Turmeric powder

and Cinnamon powder cannot develop latent fingerprint on both porous and semi-porous

substrates. This is due to the porosity of the substrate. Both porous substrates and semi-porous

substrates have the characteristic of absorb water. Characteristic to absorb water are known as

porosity. Champod C. mentioned that porous substrates have highest porosity compared to

semi-porous and non-porous substrates(31). Therefore, the water residues from eccrine

fingerprint are easily absorbed by the substrate itself. Porous substrate had rough surfaces. The

rougher the surface, the greater the depth of penetration(31). Thus, the natural residues are

easily penetrate inward the substrate. This affect the amount of natural residues left on the

surface. The lesser the amount of natural residues, the lesser the adhesion reaction between

powder particles and moisture components. This phenomenon leads to no development of

latent fingerprint on porous substrates. The situation is the same for semi-porous substrates.

Semi-porous substrates having both the characteristics of porous substrates and non-porous

substrates, which absorb and repel water components(31). One of the significant reason that

leads to no development is its characteristic ability to absorb water components. The other

factor is the thickness of ridges. Friction ridges is the skin of the area of palms and fingerprint.

The raised area of epidermis is ridges. The thickness of ridges varies from person to person.

Different factors also affect the thickness of ridges. For instance, occupation of a person.

Furthermore, environment factor such as the humidity and temperature also affect the

development of fingerprint on different substrates(32,33). The higher the humidity cause the

powder wet and difficult to attach toward the moist fingerprint residues. The higher the

temperature, the faster the rate of evaporation(33). Thus, no development of latent fingerprint

results after powdering. On non-porous surfaces, some parts of details still can be developed.

This is because high humidity lead to high moisture in the environment. The sweat components

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left by fingerprint are hard to be evaporated. Therefore, when fingerprint powder is applied

some adhesion occurs. The development of fingerprint was different in conventional carbon

black powder, Turmeric powder and Cinnamon powder because different person will secrete

different amount of sweat(30,34,35). So, the scoring were different. Paprika powder was lack

of resinous polymer that can help to adhere powder particle towards water particles from an

eccrine fingerprint(12,21).

Sebaceous Fingerprint

Sebaceous fingerprint consist of fat-soluble substances(10,36). They are water-insoluble

substances such as lipid compounds, wax ester, triglycerides and phospholipids(9,10,36).

Champod C. mentioned that the porosity of the substrate will affect the capacity of fingerprint

residues on a surface. This factor will affect the amount of natural residues left on the surface.

Porosity is the ability of a substrate to absorb the substances present on it(31). The higher the

porosity of the substrate, the greater the fingerprint residues absorption(31). Furthermore,

smoothness of the substrate also influences the depth of penetration. The smoother the surface,

the lower the depth of penetration(31). Latent fingerprint formed well on the non-porous

surface. This is due to the porosity and smoothness of the non-porous surface. It is a smooth

substrate that has the least porosity. The fingerprint residues that transferred from human finger

onto it are extremely difficult to be absorbed(31). No absorption of water-soluble components

and water-insoluble components occurs into the substrate(31). All of the fingerprint residues

will remain on the top of non-porous surfaces. Furthermore, the water-insoluble substances of

the sebaceous fingerprint will always remain on the top of the surface without penetration into

the substrate or evaporation to the environment. When the fingerprint powder is applied toward

the latent fingerprint, adhesion occurs between the powder particles and the natural

residues(17,19,20,37). Powder particles attach to the oily and moisture of the fingerprint

residues(18,21,22,38). Sometimes the developed fingerprint was not with full details. The

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possible explanation might be over-powdering(19). The latent fingerprint developed with

excess of fingerprint powder(11). Semi-porous surfaces are considered as substrate that consist

of both non-porous and porous surface’s characteristics(31). They can absorb and repel the oily

and moisture substances present on it(31). Both the semi-porous substrates used in current

study cannot developed any details and the outline of latent fingerprint. Glossy paper and

thermal paper are considered as semi-porous surfaces, which is a paper been coated or waxed.

This will influence the porosity and smoothness of the substrate itself. Glossy papers are

commonly known as coated paper(39). It is a paper that has been coated by a polymer or

mixture of materials to achieve certain qualities of the paper(40). For instances, the surface

gloss and also smoothness. The materials that used to coat the paper including kaolinite,

calcium carbonate, bentonite and talc(41). It is different to thermal paper. The materials used

to coat the thermal paper is a solid-state mixture of a dye and a suitable matrix(42–44). The

materials used to coat or wax the surface of paper will influence the result of developed

fingerprint. Therefore, in current study no development of latent fingerprintwas observed on

both semi-porous substrates. Porous substrates have the ability to absorb residues present on it.

For example, water-soluble substances and water-insoluble substances. There is only the

outline of latent fingerprint developed on both normal paper and untreated plywood. This is

because the porosity of both porous substrates are high. The water-soluble and water-insoluble

substances penetrated toward inside. When powder particle dusting the latent fingerprint, there

are fewer fingerprint residues left on the surface and cannot lead to adhesion on the original

ridge pattern. Thus, only the outline of latent fingerprint can be seen.

Garg et al. suggested that the carbonyl group and the hydroxyl group of curcumin component

of Turmeric powder formed hydrogen bonds between the fatty acids/glycerides of sebum found

on the sebaceous fingerprint(23–25). The colourant that presents in the powder particle

provides contrast to the fingerprint with the background(17). Thus, a well develops latent

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fingerprint formed with clear and rich details on non-porous surfaces. For Cinnamon powder,

active compound cinnamaldehyde that found in Cinnamon powder consist of the resinous

compound that aid in adhesion action between natural residues from the fingerprint(26–28).

Thus, it also developed a latent fingerprint on some substrates.

The Paprika powder itself does not consist of the resinous polymer(45). In a fingerprint powder,

the presence of resinous polymer help to adhere the powder particles with the oily and moisture

components presents in fingerprint residues(15). On porous surfaces, oily and moisture

components can be absorbed into the substrate due to the high porosity of the substrate(31).

Oily and moisture components can penetrate into the substrate in short time. When Paprika

powder applied, it cannot adhere due to the absence of resinous polymer and also due to the

properties of the surface. If Paprika powder can be stained on the moisture and oily residues,

only the outline of the latent fingerprint can be developed.

Conventional carbon black powder is a fingerprint powder that comprised of resinous polymers

and colourant. With the help of resinous polymer, adhesion happened between the powder

particles and the oily and moisture on the fingerprint residues(12,16). With the help of

colourant, it provides contrast with the background and shows out the clear ridges pattern. On

untreated plywood porous surface and glossy paper, both of the surfaces only developed the

outline of the fingerprint impression. While on the normal paper porous surface and thermal

paper semi-porous surface, it can be used to developed outline and some part of details of the

fingerprint. This might due to the over-developed of the fingerprint. Another possible reason

is the force applied by the subject during transferred of fingerprint residues towards the surfaces

was too much(11). This may cause the fingerprint residues to expand outwards and interfere

with the other ridges pattern(11,31). Thus, the result obtained was the latent fingerprint with

only the outline and fewer ridges details.

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In the current research, the results were a bit different with the results obtained by Garg et al.

In previous research, Garg et al. proved that Turmeric powder can be used to develop latent

fingerprint on a wooden surface and thermal paper(14). While the current research found no

development of latent fingerprint on thermal paper. For wooden surfaces, there was only the

outline of the fingerprint developed. No details of the fingerprint were seen after powdering

with Turmeric paper. The possible explanation might be the amount of natural secretion varies

from person to person(30,34). Besides that, the time to carry out the experiment was also

different in both studies. The different in season, weather, temperature and humidity might

affect the development of latent fingerprint. Furthermore, the thickness of the ridges might vary

from person to person. The thinner the ridges, the more obvious the formation of fingerprint

ridges pattern. Thus, the results were different in both studies.

CONCLUSION

In a conclusion, Turmeric powder can be used to powder dusting an eccrine fingerprint on non-

porous substrates but the results of development were still not as good as the development of

an eccrine fingerprint by the conventional carbon black powder. For a sebaceous fingerprint,

Turmeric powder was a good material for the development of latent fingerprint on particularly

non-porous surfaces but not all surfaces. Turmeric powder can be developed with clear and

rich details of latent fingerprint on glass slides and aluminium foil. Furthermore, in the current

research Cinnamon powder and Paprika powder was used to develop an eccrine fingerprint and

a sebaceous fingerprint. Cinnamon powder has been proved that can develop clear and rich

details of a sebaceous fingerprint on glass slides and aluminium foil but not all surfaces. While

Paprika powder was a poor material as a fingerprint powder. The main reason was that Paprika

powder does not consists of resinous powder and was hard to adhere towards moisture and oily

component. By comparing between powders used in the current studies, conventional carbon

black powder still considered as a fingerprint powder that can be used on different substrates

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with a good performance. Further studies on the development of latent fingerprint under

various condition such as temperature and humidity by using Turmeric powder and Cinnamon

powder need to be made. Size of powder particle also need to be determined in future studies.

The present study was just the preliminary investigation and further exploration is needed.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The author would like to thank the co-authors for their contribution to the study. This research

was funded by Murdoch University, Perth, WA.

DISCLAIMER

The authors do not endorse any products for the purpose of fingerprint identification. The

authors declare that they have no conflicting interests.

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APPENDIX

Eccrine Fingeprint

Conventional carbon black powder

Appendix 1 A(I) : Scoring results for Eccrine Fingerprint on various substrates powdering

with Conventional carbon black powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Eccrine Fingerprint

0 0 0 0 0 0

26

Appendix 1 A(II) : Development of Eccrine fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Conventional carbon black powder.

Turmeric powder

Appendix 1 B(I) : Scoring results for Eccrine Fingerprint on various substrates powdering

with Turmeric powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Eccrine Fingerprint

0 0 0 0 3 0

Appendix 1 B(II) : Development of Eccrine fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Turmeric powder.

Cinnamon powder

Appendix 1 C(I) : Scoring results for Eccrine Fingerprint on various substrates powdering

with Cinnamon powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Eccrine Fingerprint

0 0 0 0 1 0

27

Appendix 1 C(II) : Development of Eccrine fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Cinnamon powder.

Paprika powder

Appendix 1 D(I) : Scoring results for Eccrine Fingerprint on various substrates powdering

with Paprika powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Eccrine Fingerprint

0 0 0 0 0 0

Appendix 1 D(II) : Development of Eccrine fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Paprika powder.

28

Sebaceous Fingerprint

Conventional carbon black powder

Appendix 1 E(I) : Scoring results for Sebaceous Fingerprint on various substrates powdering

with Conventional carbon black powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Sebaceous Fingerprint

2 1 1 0 4 4

Appendix 1 E(II) : Development of Sebaceous fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Conventional carbon black powder.

Turmeric powder

Appendix 1 F(I) : Scoring results for Sebaceous Fingerprint on various substrates powdering

with Turmeric powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Sebaceous Fingerprint

1 1 0 0 4 4

Appendix 1 F(II) : Development of Sebaceous fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Turmeric powder.

29

Cinnamon powder

Appendix 1 G(I) : Scoring results for Sebaceous Fingerprint on various substrates powdering

with Cinnamon powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Sebaceous Fingerprint

1 1 0 0 4 4

Appendix 1 G(II) : Development of Sebaceous fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Cinnamon powder.

Paprika powder

Appendix 1 H(I) : Scoring results for Sebaceous Fingerprint on various substrates powdering

with Paprika powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Sebaceous Fingerprint

1 1 0 0 1 0

Appendix 1 H(II) : Development of Sebaceous fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Paprika powder.

30

Eccrine Fingeprint

Conventional carbon black powder

Appendix 2 A(I) : Scoring results for Eccrine Fingerprint on various substrates powdering

with Conventional carbon black powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Eccrine Fingerprint

0 0 0 0 4 0

Appendix 2 A(II) : Development of Eccrine fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Conventional carbon black powder.

Turmeric powder

Appendix 2 B(I) : Scoring results for Eccrine Fingerprint on various substrates powdering

with Turmeric powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Eccrine Fingerprint

0 0 0 0 3 0

Appendix 2 B(II) : Development of Eccrine fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Turmeric powder.

31

Cinnamon powder

Appendix 2 C(I) : Scoring results for Eccrine Fingerprint on various substrates powdering

with Cinnamon powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Eccrine Fingerprint

0 0 0 0 1 0

Appendix 2 C(II) : Development of Eccrine fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Cinnamon powder.

Paprika powder

Appendix 2 D(I) : Scoring results for Eccrine Fingerprint on various substrates powdering

with Paprika powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Eccrine Fingerprint

0 0 0 0 0 0

Appendix 2 D(II) : Development of Eccrine fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Paprika powder.

32

Sebaceous Fingerprint

Conventional carbon black powder

Appendix 2 E(I) : Scoring results for Sebaceous Fingerprint on various substrates powdering

with Conventional carbon black powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Sebaceous Fingerprint

2 1 1 0 4 4

Appendix 2 E(II) : Development of Sebaceous fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Conventional carbon black powder.

Turmeric powder

Appendix 2 F(I) : Scoring results for Sebaceous Fingerprint on various substrates powdering

with Turmeric powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Sebaceous Fingerprint

1 1 0 0 4 4

Appendix 2 F(II) : Development of Sebaceous fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Turmeric powder.

33

Cinnamon powder

Appendix 2 G(I) : Scoring results for Sebaceous Fingerprint on various substrates powdering

with Cinnamon powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Sebaceous Fingerprint

1 1 0 0 4 4

Appendix 1 G(II) : Development of Sebaceous fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Cinnamon powder.

Paprika powder

Appendix 2 H(I) : Scoring results for Sebaceous Fingerprint on various substrates powdering

with Paprika powder.

Normal Paper

Untreated Plywood

Glossy Paper

Thermal Paper

Glass Slide

Aluminium Foil

Sebaceous Fingerprint

1 1 0 0 1 0

Appendix 2 H(II) : Development of Sebaceous fingerprint on various substrates ((A)normal

paper;(B)untreated plywood;(C)glossy paper;(D)thermal paper;(E)glass slide;(F)aluminium

foil) after powdering with Paprika powder.