The Synthesis of Fingerprint Powder Using Curcumin-Loaded Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles

Abstract

Fluorescent nanoparticles have gained increasing importance in forensic and analytical science due to their high surface reactivity, optical properties and eco-friendly potential. Magnesium oxide nanoparticles functionalized with natural fluorophores represent a promising alternative to conventional synthetic fluorescent nano particles. The present study focused on the synthesis and characterization of curcumin-loaded magnesium oxide nanoparticles (Cur-MgO NPs) intended for potential application as a fluorescent fingerprint powder. The nanoparticles were synthesized using an alkaline precipitation method with magnesium nitrate hexahydrate [Mg (NO?)?•6H?O] as the magnesium precursor, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as the precipitating agent, and curcumin as the organic fluorescent compound. Curcumin dissolved in ethanol was incorporated into the magnesium nitrate solution, followed by the dropwise addition of NaOH until pH 12 was reached. The synthesized nano particles were collected by centrifugation, washed with ethanol, and dried at 100°C.The synthesized nano particles was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results provided morphological and elemental evidence for the formation of a Mg–O-containing nanostructured nano particles with an organic compound. Further characterization and fingerprint-development studies are required to evaluate its fluorescence behaviour and effectiveness for latent fingerprint visualization.

Introduction

This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of curcumin-loaded magnesium oxide nanoparticles (Cur-MgO NPs) for their potential application as a fluorescent powder in latent fingerprint visualization. Nanoparticles possess unique physicochemical properties, including high surface area, enhanced surface reactivity, and size-dependent behavior, making them valuable in fields such as catalysis, environmental remediation, biomedical science, and forensic investigations. Magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles are particularly attractive because of their structural stability and surface activity, while curcumin, a natural fluorescent polyphenol, can modify the surface chemistry and optical properties of MgO through interactions between its functional groups and magnesium ions.

Cur-MgO nanoparticles were synthesized using a simple alkaline co-precipitation method. Magnesium nitrate served as the magnesium precursor, sodium hydroxide as the precipitating agent, and curcumin was incorporated during synthesis. The reaction mixture was stirred, adjusted to pH 12, centrifuged, washed with ethanol, and dried to obtain a reddish-brown nanopowder. The synthesized material was intended to combine the adsorption properties of MgO nanoparticles with the fluorescence of curcumin, making it a promising candidate for latent fingerprint development.

Morphological characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed irregular, agglomerated nanoscale particles forming clustered structures, which are attributed to the high surface energy and attractive forces between nanoparticles. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the elemental composition of the nanoparticles, consisting mainly of oxygen (71.56 at.%), carbon (18.45 at.%), and magnesium (9.99 at.%), indicating the successful formation of a magnesium oxide-based nanostructure associated with curcumin.

The study also compares Cur-MgO nanoparticles with conventional fingerprint powders, including black, white, magnetic, fluorescent, and thermoplastic powders. Unlike traditional powders that rely primarily on color contrast or added fluorescent dyes, Cur-MgO nanoparticles combine the high surface area and adsorption capability of MgO with the intrinsic fluorescence of curcumin. This combination is expected to enhance interaction with fingerprint residues, improve ridge-detail visualization, and provide superior contrast under ultraviolet or alternative light sources, particularly on complex or non-porous surfaces.

Conclusion

A curcumin-loaded magnesium oxide (Cur-MgO) nanoparticles was synthesized through an alkaline precipitation approach, followed by centrifugation, ethanol purification, and thermal drying. SEM characterization demonstrated an irregular, agglomerated fine-scale morphology, whereas EDS analysis established an elemental profile comprising Mg, O, and C. These findings provide morphological and elemental evidence supporting the formation of the synthesized Cur-MgO nanoparticles. The integration of a magnesium-based nanostructured matrix with curcumin provides potential forensic relevance through the combination of surface-mediated interactions and fluorescence-related photophysical properties. The synthesized Cur-MgO nanoparticles therefore represent a promising candidate for fluorescence-assisted latent fingerprint visualization. Further characterization using FTIR, XRD, TEM, and fluorescence spectroscopy, together with evaluation of ridge-detail quality, fluorescence intensity, contrast, substrate compatibility, reproducibility, and comparative performance with conventional fingerprint powders, will provide comprehensive assessment of its forensic applicability.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Varsha ., Vignesh Raj, Renuga Devi, Joemon K J. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.