Evaluation and characterization of algal biomass applied to the development of fingermarks on glass surfaces

Algae have an extensive application to bioenergetics and commercial fields. They comprise several species with distinct physiological, chemical constitution and pigmentation. Given the toxicity of current fingerprint commercial developers, marine biomass could be an alternative material to enhance latent fingerprints. In this sense, the aim of this work was to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of algal biomass (Chlorella sp., Desmarestia anceps, Laurencia dendroidea, Lessonia searlesiana and Spirulina sp.) as potential latent fingerprint developers. Results showed that algae were composed of majority biochemical constituents including carboxylic acids (1.52 ± 0.20% for D. anceps to 50.94 ± 0.83% for Chlorella sp.) and alcohols (28.39 ± 1.47% for Chlorella sp. to 83.74 ± 2.42% for L. searlesiana). Particle size of 50% of the distribution of algal biomass varied from 42.18 to 140.00 μm. Samples mostly had vibrations related to hydroxyl, carbonyl and carbon-nitrogen groups. Moreover, elementary composition showed that samples were mostly composed of metals including potassium (9.63–51.83%), calcium (5.98–40.62%) and iron (0.06–12.85%). They are known as essential mineral and have low toxicity in the human body. Regarding fingerprint enhancement, Spirulina sp. had superior results compared to other biomasses enabling satisfactory development of fingerprints.