Sensitive and rapid detection of fingerprints based on electrospun nanofibrous membranes and quantum dots

Abstract

Abstract Fingerprints are the unique features of individuals, and the inefficient and time-consuming detection methods limit their wider application in the field of personal information identification. In this study, a new strategy is proposed for effective and rapid detection of fingerprints based on electrospun nanofibrous membranes and quantum dots (QDs). The prepared membranes had nano-scale pores structures and fibers, and the fingerprint residues could stably adhere to the nanofibers through non-specific adsorption to achieve the stability of the fingerprint morphology after the finger being pressed on the membrane. Due to the hydrophobic interactions between QDs and fingerprint residues, bright UV-irradiated emission of fingerprints pattern with precise level 3 details can be recorded after the membrane being immersed in the QDs solution for only 30\xa0s. More importantly, the obtained fingerprints were invisible in sunlight, which is critical for fingerprint encryption. Besides, the results revealed that the latent fingerprints (LFPs) on the surface of different substrates could be transferred by the membranes and be developed by QDs. This study provides a promising method to achieve the precise detection and complete storage of fingerprints information.