The application of forensic science techniques in fashion presents various opportunities. One approach involves analyzing garments meticulously, akin to a forensic examination, to assess their condition and any signs of deterioration. However, the potential applications of forensic sciences in fashion extend beyond mere observation.
A recent essay ("De Novo Green Fluorescent Protein Chromophore-Based Probes for Capturing Latent Fingerprints Using a Portable System" by Nanan Ruan, Qianfang Qiu, Xiaoqin Wei, Jiajia Liu, Luling Wu, Nengqin Jia, Chusen Huang, and Tony D. James), published in January by the American Chemical Society, sheds light on novel advancements in forensic technology.
The essay details the development of a forensic spray utilizing jellyfish protein to rapidly illuminate fingerprints in just seconds. This innovation addresses the critical need for swift visualization of latent fingerprints (LFPs) during crime scene investigations.
Conventional methods for lifting fingerprints often involve the use of toxic powders or chemical reagents and petrochemical solvents, posing risks to both the environment and DNA evidence (the compounds in these powders or reagents may affect DNA analysis or the integrity of the fingerprints themselves). The process of obtaining prints can also be time-consuming.
Despite these challenges, latent fingerprints remain crucial for identification purposes, often surpassing DNA evidence in cases involving unknown suspects. The LFP method is also a cost-effective alternative to DNA profiling. However, the widespread use of solvents in fingerprint detection methods, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” as they do not naturally break down, but persist in the environment and accumulate in humans causing cancer, birth defects, liver disease, thyroid disease, decreased immunity, hormone disruption and other serious health issues), faces increasing scrutiny due to their harmful environmental and health impacts.
In response to these concerns, scientists from the University of Bath in Britain and Shanghai Normal University in China have developed an alternative solution: a non-toxic, water-soluble spray. This innovative product offers a safer and more sustainable approach to fingerprint detection, addressing the limitations of traditional methods while mitigating environmental and health risks associated with chemical solvents.
The researchers behind this study have introduced a groundbreaking class of green fluorescent protein chromophore-based fluorescent dyes, namely LFP-Yellow and LFP-Red. These dyes offer flexibility, allowing users to select the appropriate color depending on the surface they are examining, ensuring that fingerprints are distinctly visible against their backgrounds once revealed. Upon application of the spray onto a surface, the positively-charged dye molecules selectively bind with negatively-charged fatty or amino acid molecules present in sweat and skin oils. This binding action immobilizes the dye molecules, causing them to emit a fluorescent glow visible under blue light.
These dyes are derived from green fluorescent protein (GFP), sourced from the jellyfish Aequorea Victoria (or crystal jellyfish), known for its natural luminescence. GFP is commonly used in scientific research to visualize biological processes in cells and animals without interfering with the processes.
Similarly, the new dyes do not impede the DNA analysis of the fingerprints (since, constructed without pyridine groups or metal ions, and based on an imidazolinone core, they safeguard DNA integrity). The spray's fine droplets contribute indeed to minimizing potential damage during fingerprint lifting, even on challenging surfaces like brick, and even a week after being left by the suspect.
Furthermore, the dyes boast other advantages over conventional chemical reagents. They are water-soluble, exhibit low cytotoxicity, and are user-friendly. Besides, the spray streamlines forensic investigations by facilitating real-time visualization of latent fingerprints, with results typically obtained within 10 seconds. The research team plans to expand the color range to accommodate various surface colors, enhancing versatility in application.
While the development of this fluorescent spray is rooted in scientific research, its potential applications may extend beyond the laboratory. Jellyfish have long served as sources of inspiration in fashion due to their intriguing shapes and colors, and recent projects have explored sustainable materials derived from jellyfish washed up on shores. In this context, it's worth considering whether the spray could find utility in art, fashion or textile research.
Artists and designers may experiment with this spray as a medium for creative expression. In the field of art, this spray could be used for the conservation and authentication of artworks. By making latent fingerprints visible without causing damage, conservators can identify areas of the artwork that have been touched, aiding in the preservation process. This technology could also assist in the authentication of artworks by revealing hidden fingerprints on surfaces, providing valuable information about the history and provenance of an artwork.
Fashion designers and textile manufacturers could utilize this spray in different ways. Throughout the decades different designers have played with the visible/invisible dichotomy, with dynamic states and perceptions and with mutability and alterations of fabrics exposed to light. The spray reacts with molecules present in sweat and skin oils, so it wouldn't help creative minds coming up with permanent motifs and patterns of fingerprints that would produce luminescent effects when sprayed. However, it could still play a valuable role in background research for garment development. For instance, it could aid in the design of clothing tailored to individuals with specific needs, such as wheelchair-bound or bedridden patients. By applying the spray on their clothes, designers could identify areas where fabrics might cause discomfort and explore ways to mitigate these issues and create ergonomic clothing solutions tailored to their requirements.
Additionally, the spray could be employed in studies examining human reactions to stress. Given its ability to react with the molecules present in sweat, it could serve as a tool for observing physiological responses in situations of high anxiety. By studying these reactions, researchers could gain insights into physiological responses to stress and potentially inform the design of garments or environments that promote stress relief and comfort.
Last but not least, the spray could be used for quality control purposes in textile production, helping to detect fingerprints or other contaminants on fabrics before they are shipped to consumers.
So, fashion design students never underestimate the power and inspiration behind scientific news. They can lead you to interesting experiments, innovative researches and potential collaborations bridging the gap between science and fashion.
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