Title:A Novel Approach to Latent Fingerprint Development Using Onion (Allium cepa) Powder
Volume: 3
Author(s): Anuj Sharma, Vaibhav Sharma, Anjali Soy, Archana Gautam, Tina Sharma, Kumud Kant Awasthi, Rajeev Kumar and Mahipal Singh Sankhla*
Affiliation:
- Department of Forensic Science, UIAHS, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India
- University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India
Keywords:
Quercetin, onion powder, friction ridges, fingerprint-developing, fingerprint deposition, eccrine prints.
Abstract:
Introduction: Naturally occurring substances, including quercetin and sulphur
compounds, which are recognised for their antioxidant and adhesive characteristics, are
found in onion powder, which is made from dried onions. These characteristics make onion
powder a suitable choice for the formation of latent fingerprints. Our research investigates
a novel approach using onion (Allium cepa) powder as a fingerprint-developing agent for
both sebaceous and eccrine fingerprints on a variety of porous and non-porous surfaces.
Methods: The methodology for sebaceous fingerprints involves ensuring the hands of the
donor are clean and free of any extraneous substances before depositing the fingerprint on
a selected surface, followed by the application of onion powder with an Ostrich hair brush.
For eccrine fingerprints, the hands of the donor undergo a thorough cleansing with soap,
water, and acetone, followed by a 45-minute period of wearing unpowdered latex gloves to
enhance the presence of eccrine secretions. After glove removal and gentle finger massaging,
the eccrine fingerprint is deposited on a non-porous surface. The surfaces used in the
study included non-porous materials like iron, glass, steel, aluminium foil, and ceramic tile,
as well as porous materials like black paper, leather, rubber, plastic, and cardboard. Hygiene
was maintained using ethanol, soap, cotton, and gloves throughout the procedure.
Results and Discussion: Results indicated that onion powder effectively developed latent
fingerprints on both types of surfaces, highlighting its potential as an alternative to traditional
fingerprint powders.
Conclusion: This innovative method not only broadens the scope of fingerprint development
techniques but also presents a cost-effective and readily available option for forensic
applications. The findings underscore the versatility and efficacy of onion powder in forensic
fingerprint analysis, offering a promising avenue for future research and practical implementation.
