Nanoparticles in Fingerprinting: Advanced Methods for Development of Latent Fingerprints

The toolkit of nanomaterials covered in this new book, which ranges from magnetic nanoparticles to quantum dots, offers up new possibilities for the preservation and visualization of latent prints and turns forensic science into an area where the unseen is made strikingly visible. This volume acts as a thorough guide through experimental procedures, theoretical underpinnings, and practical uses of nanoparticle-based fingerprinting. Additionally, it examines the potential challenges, future directions, and ethical considerations associated with the adoption of nanoparticle-based fingerprinting methods.

The volume investigates fingerprinting techniques that involve titanium dioxide nanoparticles, fluorescent nanoparticles, gold and silver nanoparticles, green synthesis of nanoparticles, iron oxide nanoparticles, carbon dots (CDs) and cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanoparticles, and more.

The multidisciplinary approach taken by this book fosters a comprehensive knowledge of this cutting-edge topic by reflecting the joint work of specialists from chemistry, forensic science, and nanoscience. Contributions from leading experts in the fields of nanotechnology and forensic science enrich this volume with diverse perspectives and practical insights.

Whether you are a seasoned forensic professional, a researcher in materials science, or a student exploring the intersections of nanotechnology and criminalistics, this book aims to serve as a definitive resource on the transformative role of nanoparticles in advancing fingerprint analysis.

Kumud Kant Awasthi, PhD, is currently working as a Professor and Head at the Department of Life Sciences at Vivekananda Global University (VGU), Jaipur India. Prior to this position, he worked at the National Institute of Animal Welfare (NIAW), Faridabad, India. His research focuses on environmental toxicology in relation to nanoparticles. He has extensive experience in toxicity assessment for various nanomaterials in different in vivo and in vitro models, with a focus on their safe use for drug development. He also authored or edited books in his field and holds German and Indian patents for his innovative works. Dr. Awasthi is a lifetime member of several prestigious national and international scientific societies. He is also a nominated member of the committee for ethical use of laboratory animals in research by the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA), Government of India. He serves as Environment Auditor for the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, Govt of Rajasthan. Dr. Awasthi remains actively engaged in research activities, serving as a member of editorial boards and a reviewer for various scientific journals, including Springer and Elsevier, and participating in the organizing committees for many national and international conferences.

Mahipal Singh Sankhla, PhD, is a distinguished Assistant Professor in the Department of Forensic Science, (UCRD), Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India. Dr. Sankhla earned his Bachelor of Science (Hons.) degree in Forensic Science, his Master of Science degree in Forensic Science, and his PhD.in Forensic Science from Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. His exceptional work has been recognized with numerous awards, including a Young Scientist Award, Young Researcher Award, and the Forensic Researcher Award. In addition to his teaching and research responsibilities, Dr. Sankhla has been honored by the Government of India with the nomination to mentor the Atal Innovation Mission of NITI Aayog, aimed at setting up Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) across Indian schools. His dedication to research is further reflected in his extensive publication record, with over over 270 peer-reviewed articles in national and international journals, more than 30 book chapters, and the editing of nine books. His contributions have also been recognized through two Indian copyrights, for patents, and the publication of over 65 Indian patents.

Chandra Shekhar Yadav, PhD, is currently working as an Assistant Professor at the School of Forensic Sciences at National Forensic Science University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. Previously, he worked at the Department of Life Sciences, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, India, as an Assistant Professor. His area of research interest is environmental toxicology with reference to chemical exposure assessment and its impact on human health. He has more than 10 years of teaching and research experience and has published 22 research papers in peer-reviewed national and international journals. He has also presented papers at national and international conferences. He is a member of several international and national professional bodies and is an active editorial board member and reviewer for national and international journals. Dr. Yadav has worked on various collaborative projects with the Central Pollution Control Board, New Delhi, on environmental health and persistent organic pollutants estimation in the Delhi population. He was also a nominated member of the committee for the ethical use of laboratory animals in research by the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA), Government Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, Govt. of India. He has been invited as guest speaker at many national and international conferences. More than 14 students have completed their master dissertations and doctoral work under his exemplary guidance in the area of environmental toxicity and remediation. He earned his PhD in Medical Biochemistry at the University of Delhi, India.

Anjali Awasthi, PhD, is currently working as Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology at the Centre for Advanced Studies of the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India. Her area of research is molecular biology and nanobiotechnology. She has a vast experience in the field of toxicity assessment for different nanomaterials in different in vivo and in vitro models as well as in biosensor development and biofouling studies of nanomaterials. She is guiding PhD and MTech scholars for their degrees. She is a life member of several esteemed scientific national and international societies. Dr. Awasthi is also a nominated member of the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA), Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change, Govt. of India. She is a reviewer for several journals and has organized many international and national conferences. She was awarded her MSc and MPhil (Zoology) degrees from Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University, Agra, and her PhD (Biotechnology) from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India.