Integrated visualization and genetic profiling of latent fingerprints via UVITEX OB and adapted fluorescence microscopy

This study introduces a novel enhancement method for latent fingerprint visualization in forensic investigations, featuring two key advancements: the use of UVITEX OB, a fluorescent compound traditionally found as an optical brightener in textiles, and the utility of a modified fluorescence microscope for fingerprint documentation. UVITEX OB's lipophilic nature, ability to be ground into an ultra-fine powder, its high fluorescence properties (quantum yield ∼ 0.9, excitation spectrum 350–450 nm), and high photostability make it an ideal compound for fingerprint visualization on both non-porous and porous surfaces. By replacing the high-power objective with a low-magnification lens assembly of longer focal length and increased working distance, the field of view was extended, enabling full-fingerprint fluorescence imaging. Additionally, genetic analysis of UVITEX OB - treated fingerprints confirms the compound’s ability to preserve sufficient DNA for a complete genetic profile, without interfering with critical DNA analysis techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and short tandem repeat (STR) analysis. These findings support the potential forensic applicability of UVITEX OB in casework scenarios that require both latent fingerprint visualization and subsequent DNA profiling from the same trace evidence.