Which dye is effective for the development of latent fingerprints on adhesive surfaces?

Gentian Violet is particularly effective for developing latent fingerprints on adhesive surfaces due to its unique properties. This dye works by binding to proteins present in the fingerprint residue, allowing the print to become visibly highlighted against the adhesive background. The chemical nature of Gentian Violet helps it to adhere well to the oils and other organic materials found in fingerprint residues, making it a preferred choice for this specific type of surface.

In the case of adhesive surfaces, many other techniques and dyes may not yield the best results. For instance, while Ninhydrin is a common method for detecting fingerprints on porous surfaces by reacting with amino acids, it is less effective on non-porous, sticky substrates. Similarly, Crystal Violet is primarily used for certain surfaces but may not adhere effectively to adhesives, leading to lower visibility of the latent prints. Amino Black, on the other hand, is primarily used on non-porous surfaces and is not specifically designed for use with adhesives, making Gentian Violet the most appropriate choice for this scenario.