Nanometer-sized fluorescent particles were synthesized in an aqueous solution using TGA (mercaptoacetic acid) as the stabilizer. The prepared solution was characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy and applied for detection of latent fingermarks on adhesives. The effects of stabilizer, precursor, pH value, the concentration of cadmium ion and shell structure on fluorescence were also discussed. The results indicated that the intensity of fluorescence was remarkably increased and the selectivity was well improved when using CdSe nanoparticles, it produced significantly less background development and better contrast after 15 min developing process.