| Abstract: | Fingerprints have been used as an indispensable tool for personal identification in forensic investigations since the late 19 th century. At present, fingerprinting technology has moved away from its forensic roots and is incorporating a broader scientific range, e.g., material science, spectroscopy and spectral analysis, and even in vitro diagnosis. After a brief introduction to latent fingerprints, this mini-review presents the pioneering progresses of fingerprinting technologies including(i) material and electrochemical techniques, and(ii) spectral and spectroscopy imaging techniques and immunological techniques capable of both the visualization of a fingerprint and the detection of chemicals present in it. Finally, perspectives on this rapidly developing field are discussed. |
