How can we better detect invisible fingerprints, even on problematic surfaces? This is precisely the focus of the project “Increasing the Effectiveness of Methods for Visualizing Latent Fingerprints” (EfektOP, VK02010123), which involves the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, and the Forensic Institute of the Czech Police. The project will run from 2026 to 2029, and its goal is to improve the detection of latent dactyloscopic traces, particularly on difficult surfaces, thereby increasing the success rate of forensic investigations. It is supported by the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic as part of the OPSEC security research program.
New approaches developed within the EfektOP project offer the modernization of methods for visualizing latent fingerprints. By combining physical, chemical, and technological innovations, even prints on complex or unconventional surfaces can become crucial evidence in investigations, both in the field and in the laboratory.
The proposed approach integrates several advanced technologies—from the use of non-thermal plasma enabling direct visualization of fingerprints at the crime scene, through an improved cyanoacrylate fuming method with color- or luminescence-modified cyanoacrylates, to electrochemical techniques and the use of controlled environmental conditions (e.g., optimized humidity or reduced pressure). The project also incorporates MALDI analysis, which makes it possible to extract additional chemical information from a fingerprint—such as the ratios of specific substances that may indicate certain characteristics of the individual who left the print.
“The interdisciplinary focus of the Division of Optics, together with its scientific and technical background, enables the effective implementation of projects that extend into various fields, including the defense and security sectors. It is inspiring to see how cutting-edge science can have a direct impact on the protection of society,” said Alexandr Dejneka, Head of the Division of Optics.
“Cooperation between the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences (FZU), the Institute of Criminalistics of the Police of the Czech Republic, and the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague has been ongoing since 2023 within the project Advanced Methods for the Visualization of Latent Fingerprints. EfektOP is the second project in this line, further developing Czech know-how in modern dactyloscopy. The direct involvement of the Institute of Criminalistics ensures the effective application of results in forensic practice. These projects demonstrate how well synergistic collaboration between research institutions, universities, and public authorities can work,” said Michal Novotný, principal investigator of both projects and Deputy Head of the Department of Analysis of Functional Materials.
“The close collaboration of research groups from the Institute of Analytical Chemistry, the Institute of Physics and Measurement Science, and the Institute of Organic Chemistry within this forensic project is an excellent example of effective interdisciplinary research addressing socially relevant challenges. The involvement of students—from bachelor’s to doctoral level—is particularly valuable, as it provides them with a unique opportunity to gain both professional and transferable skills through collaboration with the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Criminalistics,” said Pavel Matějka, Vice-Rector of UCT Prague.
The expected outcomes of the project will bring significant benefits to practice and increase the efficiency of latent fingerprint visualization. For example, the newly developed cyanoacrylate will not only significantly accelerate the visualization process but also improve the quality of the results. “The methods currently used for enhancing fingerprints carry a considerable risk of degrading the DNA they contain. The newly developed method is unique worldwide and will allow us to optimize fingerprint staining without the risk of destroying the DNA, which will be crucial for subsequent genetic analysis,” explained Petr Hlavín, Head of the Fingerprint Identification Department at the Institute of Criminalistics.
As part of the project, a new vacuum chamber is also being developed, enabling the visualization of fingerprints with only trace amounts of sweat–lipid residue on challenging substrates that have been exposed to water. “The project aims to facilitate not only laboratory work but also operations at crime scenes. For this purpose, we are developing a mobile device that will allow the visualization of fingerprints using low-temperature plasma directly in the field,” added Petr Hlavín.