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The Chemical Educator
ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)
Abstract Volume 25
(2020) pp 116-118
The Collection and Analysis of DNA Obtained From Fingerprints
Before and After the Use of Fingerprint Powder on Different Surfaces
Berthie Lebrun, Courtney Rush, Nicolyn Skyers, and Sulekha Coticone*
Department of Chemistry and Physics, Florida Gulf Coast University, Ft Myers, FL 33965, scoticon@fgcu.edu
Received September 27, 2019. Accepted May 2, 2020.
Published: 11 May 2020
Abstract. Latent
fingerprints are biometric features that represent one of the most common
evidence that can be used for human identification at a crime scene. The
selection of an enhancement technique for visualization of fingerprints depends
on a number of factors including the type of substrate and the
location/environment of the fingerprint. The most common method of enhancement
is the use of various types of powders (e.g. aluminum powder, black magnetic
powder, black granular powder etc.). The powders function by attaching to the
components of sweat released by the fingertips which reveals details of ridge
elements thereby enhancing the visualization of the fingerprints. In this
experiment, students will be able to determine the effect of fingerprint powder
on the collection and subsequent analysis of the DNA obtained from different
substrates. For collection, fingerprints are placed on six different substrates
(steel, aluminum, unpainted wood, painted wood, glass, and faux leather) and
incubated for one hour. Subsequently, half of the fingerprints are dusted with
fingerprinting powder and the others left bare. Samples are collected and DNA
is extracted and quantitated using standard protocols. Through this experiment
students learn the fundamental methods of obtaining DNA evidence from
fingerprints at crime scenes and the factors affecting the process.
Key Words: In the Classroom; analytic chemistry; DNA analysis; fingerprint powder; crime scene; substrates
(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: scoticon@fgcu.edu)
Article in PDF format (208 KB) HTML format
Supporting Materials:
Instructor notes and student handout is provided. (119 KB)
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