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Fluorene–vanillin hybrid enables fingerprint visualisation and sustainable security printing
A newly developed fluorescent pigment based on fluorene and vanillin enables high-resolution fingerprint detection and can also be used as an eco-friendly offset security ink. The fluorophore combines strong fluorescence, durability, and multi-level authentication features.
Fluorescent materials are key to forensic science and anti-counterfeiting applications, offering distinct optical signals for authentication. Researchers led by Rakshitha K. Jain have developed a new ortho-vanillin-fluorene Schiff base fluorophore (OAF) that can be synthesised in a cost-effective, sustainable one-step process, emitting a bright orange fluorescence.
The material proved highly effective for latent fingerprint detection, allowing visualisation of level 1–3 ridge details on glass, leather, CDs, and other surfaces under 365 nm UV light. Molecular dynamics simulations and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed its interaction with glycine residues in fingerprint deposits. The OAF composite powder and spray formulations also enabled fingerprint visualisation on challenging substrates such as moist or uneven surfaces.
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Sustainable security ink with multi-level verification
Beyond forensic use, OAF was formulated into an eco-friendly offset security ink by combining it with a commercial pigment (JUP-AS120). The ink demonstrated excellent photostability, scuff resistance, and multi-level authentication features – orange fluorescence under 365 nm UV, and green and red emissions under 980 nm laser excitation with a 610 nm band-pass filter.
Furthermore, the biocompatible OAF ink pad provides dual verification: optical authentication via fluorescence and biometric fingerprint validation. The innovation holds promise for banknote protection, secure documents, and anti-counterfeiting applications.
Source: Jain, R. K. et al. Fluorene-vanillin hybrid: A multifunctional fluorophore for latent fingerprint detection and sustainable offset security ink development. Prog. Org. Coat. 207, 109425 (2025).
