Which technique is known for staining fatty constituents of sebaceous sweat?

The technique known for staining fatty constituents of sebaceous sweat is Gentian Violet. This dye is particularly effective in enhancing the visibility of latent fingerprints that contain fatty, oily residues, often found in prints left by fingers. Sebaceous sweat is rich in lipids, making Gentian Violet suitable for targeting these components because it has an affinity for such substances.

When applied to a surface where latent fingerprints are present, Gentian Violet binds with the fatty materials and produces a distinct color reaction, allowing for clearer visualization of fingerprints that may otherwise be difficult to see. This staining method is widely used in forensic science to improve the recovery of prints, particularly on non-porous surfaces where sebum from skin oils can be found.

Other techniques, such as Amino Black, Iodine Vapor, and Ninhydrin, have different mechanisms and specificities. Amino Black is more effective for staining proteins, while Iodine Vapor relies on the sublimation of iodine to visualize prints and works best on porous surfaces. Ninhydrin is specifically utilized for reacting with amino acids, typically found in sweat, and is particularly effective for detecting prints on porous materials like paper. Each of these methods has its own applications depending on the nature of the latent print and