An AIE based fluorescent probe for digital lifting of latent fingerprint marks down to minutiae level

Abstract Acridinediones, a new addition to the family of dyes having aggregation induced emission characteristics have been reported. Facile hydrophobic interactions between the acridinedione aggregates and fingerprint residues were exploited to lift the latent fingerprint marks on a non-porous substrate. By employing this preferential adhesion approach, a portable wet method for the enhancement and visualization of latent fingerprint marks using hand held UV light and mobile camera was demonstrated. Using this simple, rapid, cost effective, eco and user friendly method the latent fingerprints, its primary and secondary level of information’s can be easily decoded. These acridinedione derivatives also show strong blue luminescence in solid state with high fluorescence quantum yield.