UK-based ROAR Particles plc (ROAR) developed a nanotechnology-based method used to uniquely identify chemicals in fingerprints within minutes of analyzing a sample. The chemicals include nicotine, illicit and prescribed drugs, and a variety of contact residues, including materials used by terrorists and criminals. The method has the potential to identify bio-markers, indicating age, sex, and ethnicity of the fingerprint donor.
ROAR took shape in 2006 when Professor Fred Rowell of the University of Sunderland wanted to commercialize his fingerprint analysis method. He serves as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of the company. The company believes that 2008 will be significant in that many law enforcement agencies, including those in U.S., Australia, and Singapore, will begin to report positive findings following trials of the company’s fingerprint analysis nanotechnology.
