Year: 2026 | Month: September | Volume: 13 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 390-406
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260937
Application of Indian Barnyard Millet as a Sustainable Natural Powder for Latent Fingerprint Development
Avani Mundirikkal1, Aaditi Dawle2, Ashish Ranjan3, Tanushri Johari4
1,2M.Sc. Forensic Science, Department of Forensic Science, Oriental University, Indore, India.
3,4Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Science, Oriental University, Indore, India.
Corresponding Author: Avani Mundirikkal
ABSTRACT
Fingerprint visualization forms a key component in crime scene investigation. Till now, the primary method of fingerprint development is the use of synthetic or usually the chemical powders which can be potentially harmful to both the environment and to the human health. While there has been a lot of focus on the ecological impact of forensic activities and in an effort to develop various eco-friendly forensic methods, this paper deals with the testing of the Indian barnyard millet powder - a completely biodegradable and therefore a renewable material for the first time in the fingerprint detection on different surfaces. Usually, millets are considered to be one of the most nutrient dense and environmentally friendly crops that grow well in difficult conditions. They are mainly used for food and is edible in nature but their physical and chemical properties have not been much examined for forensic purposes.
The findings in our study suggest that the barnyard millet powder is a powerful latent fingerprint powder which is capable of producing high-quality fingerprints along with well-defined ridge features. The prints developed with the use of the barnyard millet powder produced high contrast without the loss of much fingerprint details. The fact that this powder is biodegradable is an environmentally friendly feature which helps to reduce the chemical waste and also prevents human exposure to toxic elements during the process of forensic analysis.
Keywords: Indian Barnyard Millet, Latent Fingerprints, Porous Surfaces, Non-Porous Surfaces, Forensic Science, Fingerprint Development.
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