Ruthenium is playing its part in a revolutionary new fingerprint-lifting technique that could yield crucial evidence in forensic investigations of the future.

Sprays of iodine-benzoflavone and ruthenium tetroxide (RTX) have now been developed to a point where they can provide details of fingerprints that boast clarity and accuracy.

Unlike conventional techniques, which have traditionally used powder to highlight any residues, the spray means that the fingerprints themselves are in no way damaged.

Using conventional methods it is estimated that around one in ten prints are damaged in some way.

The ruthenium tetroxide-based spray developed by Sydney's University of Technology offers an alternative to the dry powder materials.

The university's Claude Roux told Reuters the spray on materials are crucial when it comes to lifting fingerprints from rough surfaces, such as brickwork.

More research is now expected, with scientists hoping to develop a failsafe system of recovery.