CdS nanocrystal/dendrimer nanocomposites with a range of concentration of the photoluminescent semiconductor nanocluster and the dendrimer were prepared in methanol and one-to-nine solutions of methanol to water. The research used the solutions to detect cyanoacrylate ester fumed and unfumed fingerprints on polyethylene and aluminum foil. Findings suggested that photoluminescent semiconductor nanocrystals/nanocomposites will form the next milestone in fingerprint detection methodology. Figures and 8 references (Author abstract modified)