LYNNTECH INC. — Department of Homeland Security SBIR Phase I: H-SB015.1-001

Description

In recent years, research has shown that is possible to obtain DNA evidence from latent fingerprints; however forensic investigators need optimized techniques to ensure that both pieces of evidence are effectively preserved. Many fingerprint visualization and transfer techniques utilize enhancement additives or ultraviolet light which can compromise DNA profiling kits resulting in partial or no profile being obtained, particularly in low copy number and/or environmentally compromised samples. Lynntech proposes to develop a portable, easy-to-use, non-contact two-dimensional and three-dimensional digital preservation system for latent prints that is fully compatible with existing DNA recovery and profiling assays and current and future fingerprint databases. During the Phase I research effort, Lynntech will demonstrate the technical feasibility of the proposed print analysis system for a selected set of substrates. Further, Lynntech will demonstrate DNA recovery and profiling from print samples utilizing Lynntech's analysis system. It is anticipated that our system will yield superior evidence preservation capabilities improving investigators likely-hood of human identification, pursuit, and prosecution.