Which methods can Ninhydrin be applied through?

Ninhydrin is a chemical reagent commonly used in forensic science for the development of latent fingerprints on surfaces, particularly porous materials like paper. The effectiveness of Ninhydrin in revealing fingerprints lies in its ability to react with amino acids that are present in the residues left by fingers.

The application methods for Ninhydrin include dipping, spraying, brushing, and sponging. Dipping involves submerging the item in a Ninhydrin solution, which is useful for items that can be completely soaked. Spraying, on the other hand, allows for a more controlled application where the solution can be aerosolized over the surface, ensuring even coverage without the risk of damaging the item. Brushing and sponging permit localized application, allowing the examiner to target specific areas of interest on the surface.

Since all these methods are viable for applying Ninhydrin effectively, the correct answer encompasses all of them, confirming that each method can be beneficial depending on the situation and the nature of the evidence being processed.