Role of Nanotechnology in Forensic Medicine to Solve Medico-legal Case Work in Pakistan - A Review Study

Abstract

Background: Nanotechnology is relatively a new emerging field of Forensic Science and is being used to solve many medico-legal cases all over the world. Some of its use is the most prevalent in biomedical science, material science, biological indicators, food science, Trace Evidence, real-time crime scenes, and terrorist attacks as a nanomaterial to the medico-legal investigations. It is now utilized in the medico-legal casework in Pakistan in Forensic Medicine. Aim: To analyze and compare the forensic value of nanotechnology and methods used to solve the medico-legal investigations relating to nanomaterials in Forensic medicine in Pakistan, Pakistan. Method: This is a review study focusing on the currently available data in research articles all over the world and in Pakistan about the use of nano-material in medico-legal casework for slaving medico-legal investigations in Pakistan. Extensive research is being conducted on the use of nanomaterials. Various analysis methods for nanomaterials, both old and new, have been gathered from previous research and compared. The statistical significance of their use as forensic evidence in criminal investigations and medico-legal cases has been analyzed in the field of Forensic Medicine. Results: The field of nanotechnology plays a crucial role in forensic investigations. This is supported by numerous publications both globally and in Pakistan. Nanomaterials have been instrumental in solving many forensic cases by leveraging advanced technology and high-tech tools. The Pakistan Forensic Science Agency in Lahore (PFSA) has effectively utilized nanomaterials in DNA analysis and various serological tests. Notably, nanomaterials have greatly aided in identifying crime scene evidence through the use of Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR). Practical Implication: New nanotechnologies are being utilized in DNA fingerprinting to solve medico-legal cases in forensic investigations. Advancements include the use of capillary electrophoresis, nano-gold, nano-silver, and nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO2) combined with SEM, TEM, and FTIR(56). Currently, there are ongoing developments to create new nano-probes, nano-devices, and nano-chips to combat the threat of terrorism in Pakistan. Conclusion: Nanotechnology is being very extensively used in crime-scene investigations to solve medico-legal cases in Forensic Medicine, especially in various ways and techniques in fingerprinting, DNA analysis, explosive detection, drug detection, and time since death estimation. Examination of body fluids, document analysis, explosive residual inspection, and nano-biosensors are benefited by nanotechnology. It is concluded by the review research on the use of nanotechnology that it is a more accurate, fast, reliable, secure system and an Armour for medico-legal investigations in Forensic Medicine. Keywords: Nanotechnology , DNA analysis, Forensic value, Forensic Medicine ,Nanoparticles