Wet SPF: A wet powder suspension for the detection of latent fingermarks on the sticky side of adhesive tape for use in Seychelles

• Published in: Forensic science international Vol. 360; p. 112044
• Main Authors: Bouzin, Jemmy T., Sauzier, Georgina, Lewis, Simon W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier B.V 01-07-2024; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Accessibility; Adhesives; Carbon - chemistry; Carbon black; Dermatoglyphics; Ethanol; Fingerprints; Forensic science; Frugal forensics; Humans; Laboratories; Latent fingermark detection; Latent fingerprints; Murders & murder attempts; Polyethylene; Polymers; Powder; Powder suspension; Powders; Pressure sensitive adhesives; Pressure-sensitive adhesive tape; Sodium dodecyl sulfate; Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate - chemistry; Sodium lauryl sulfate; Surface-Active Agents; Surfactants; Suspensions; Sustainable development; Titanium; Seychelles; Powder suspension; Frugal forensics; Latent fingermark detection; Sustainable development; Pressure-sensitive adhesive tape
• ISSN: 0379-0738; 1872-6283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112044

WET UCIO is an inexpensive carbon-based powder suspension, reportedly as effective as commercially available formulations for latent fingermark detection on the sticky side of adhesive tapes. However, the surfactant solution used in WET UCIO is not readily accessible outside Europe, limiting its use in Seychelles or other non-European jurisdictions. In this study, the UCIO formulation was modified based on a ‘frugal forensic’ approach, by replacing the surfactant solution with an in-house sodium dodecyl sulfate solution prepared in 5 % aqueous ethanol. A comparative assessment against Wetwop™ using eight different pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes found that the modified formulation was at least as effective as commercial powder suspension. Modifying this technique under the frugal forensic framework has enhanced its accessibility to other jurisdictions and is recommended for validation in Seychelles.
[Display omitted]
•Modified carbon powder suspension for fingermark detection for use in Seychelles.•Based on inexpensive and readily available reagents from multiple suppliers.•Comparable detection performance to commercial formulations, but more sustainable.•Demonstrates application of the frugal forensic approach in pursuit of UN SDGs.