Biological powders as an innovative technological solution for visualising traces of sweat and fatty substances

Abstract

The article highlights the theoretical and practical aspects of using biological powders as an innovative technological solution for detecting and visualising latent papillary pattern traces formed by sweat and fatty substances. The relevance of using environmentally safe means that are harmless to human health in forensic practice is considered. The results of foreign studies on the application of biological powders of plant and natural origin for detecting latent traces on various surfaces are analysed. The aim of the study is to identify new possibilities for visualising latent papillary pattern traces using commercial biological powders by evaluating their adhesive properties during the treatment of experimentally deposited traces on plastic, glass, and metal surfaces. The methodological basis of the study is the experimental examination of the adhesive properties of biological powders during the visualisation of latent papillary pattern traces. The article applies a comparative analysis of the results of previous foreign studies, an experimental method of depositing traces on trace-receiving surfaces, a powder dusting method using fibreglass brushes and Marabou feather brushes, as well as photographic recording of the results. To assess the effectiveness of the powders, the categories of good, moderate, and poor adhesive properties were used. The scientific novelty lies in the comprehensive study of the possibilities of applying commercial biological powders, in particular cinnamon, turmeric, paprika, onion, banana, blackcurrant, agar, spirulina, chlorella, guar gum, and xanthan gum powders, for visualising latent papillary pattern traces on plastic, glass, and metal surfaces. Particular attention is paid to the influence of particle size, colour contrast between the powder and the surface, and the method of powder application on the quality of trace visualisation. The conclusions emphasize that the use of biological powders for visualising latent papillary pattern traces is a promising direction in the development of forensic techniques. It has been established that the effectiveness of such powders depends on fine and uniform particle size, sufficient contrast with the surface, and the proper method of application. Spirulina, chlorella, cinnamon, and turmeric powders demonstrated the best adhesive properties. Further research should focus on studying the possibility of transferring visualised traces onto dactyloscopic film or silicone materials, as well as examining the preservation of traces under different time intervals, temperature conditions, and meteorological conditions.