Nanotechnology in Forensic Science

Nanotechnology has the potential to greatly contribute to forensics in criminal investigations. Forensic nanotechnology uses small chip materials to replace bulky instruments and reduce analytical methods to make investigations accurate, timely and streamlined. The aim of this article is to highlight some applications of nanotechnology in forensics. Nano-forensics is an entirely new field of forensics related to the development of nano sensors, nanotechnology methods for real-time investigation of crime scenes and investigation of terrorist activity, determination of the presence of explosive gases, biological agents and residues. Forensics is an interdisciplinary subject that allows law enforcement to solve civil and criminal cases using the principles and methods of various subjects such as chemistry, biology, physics, geology, psychology, social sciences and engineering. Nano forensics is a recent field related to the development of nano sensors for criminal investigation and investigation of terrorist activity by determining the presence of explosive gases, biological agents, and residues. Nano analysis is widely used for crime detection by the investigator. Fingerprints Visualization Fingerprints are unique and remain the same from birth to death as DNA. These fingerprints help identify individuals. Three types of fingerprints are commonly observed on at the crime scene latent prints, patent prints & plastic prints. Latent fingerprints, invisible to the naked eye, are commonly found at crime scenes and require further processing. Nano powder was developed for use in developing and detecting ginger prints in conjunction with SALDI-TOF2-MS. Nanotechnology's new method of fingerprint analysis could easily uncover new evidence in criminal cases. The use of gold nanoparticles allows researchers to target amino acids on non-porous surfaces, allowing better analysis of latent fingerprints. Different colored materials such as carbon black on a light background and aluminum flakes on a black/dark background are used to develop latent prints. The downside of these materials is that they are sticky, as they not only help decipher fingerprints, but they also adhere to the background of the fingerprint. In this state, nanoparticles are used to solve this problem. Recent nanotechnology-based techniques help analyze evidence on the spot at crime scenes. Not only does it save analysis time, but it also reduces the chance of error. Various types of nano powder are now being applied in the forensic investigation process to reveal hidden fingerprints on various surfaces. Detection of Explosive In the case of explosives, nanotechnology is very useful in identifying trace amounts of explosive particles. Nanomaterials help to develop sensors which detect explosives. It detects explosives hidden in vehicles, vehicles, luggage etc. by using advanced nano sensor concept devices such as electronic noses, nanotubes, and nanomechanical devices that detect conventional bombs, plastic explosives, and hand grenades. Dogs are currently used to detect explosives, but it is costly and time consuming the alternative to using this electronic nose technology, which can easily detect explosives. In a bomb blast, detonated explosive fragments may fly away from the actual blast site, but the unfragmented portion of the explosive remains at the scene. During crime scene investigations, investigators can use nano-based technology to identify unfragmented explosive traces from the crime scene. In most blast incidents, it is difficult for investigators to identify unfragmented explosives. As a result, investigators are unable to present sufficient evidence in court to establish a suspect's connection to the crime scene, nor is it sufficient to convict. Post blast explosive residues analysis Nanotechnology is also useful in finding and collecting post blast explosive residue and its analysis. The fragmentation of explosives occurs in bomb blast incidents and very traces of explosive residues remain at the spot of the blast. Nano techniques can be used for detection of unfragmented explosives. Gunshot residue analysis Nanotechnology can be used for detection and analysis of gunshot residue (GSR). Using nano-based technology, investigators can detect microscopic particles of gunshot residues are often present on the hands of a shooter, following discharge of a firearm. It may be present on his clothes, or on any of the things with the shooter. High-resolution SEM imaging is used in the GSR analysis and X-ray spectrometry to determine their composition. Gun Shot Residue analysis is an important step in shooting cases that helps prevent crime in society by providing adequate evidence. Traces of Petroleum In the cases of petroleum products such as arson nanotechnology helps to investigator to examine the Petroleum traces. DNA Analysis DNA is one of the most important and unique evidence. Presence of DNA one of the most important supportive evidence that helps to identify the presence of the person at the scene of crime. DNA analysis is conducted in cases such as murder, rape and other criminal cases. DNA extracted from biological evidence such as the skin, saliva, blood, semen, hair etc. with the help of Magnetic nanoparticles. Nanotechnology-based tools also help to analyse DNA sequences using atomic force microscopy technique. Microfluidic devices are the recent advanced devices used for forensic DNA analysis. The advantages of these devices are shorter examination time, risk of contamination is less, it is directly applicable at the crime scene. DNA typing In DNA typing, the extraction of DNA from the body fluids and skeletal remains is especially important task for that nanoparticles are used as follows- • Copper nanoparticles • Silica-based magnetic nanoparticles • Magnetic nanoparticles Magnetic nanoparticles with carboxylic compounds are used in the isolation process of DNA. Nanotechnology to Estimate the Time of Death In medico-legal investigation, time since death (TSD) estimation is a vital step in crime investigation. In the conventional system, various parameters are analysed to predict the time of death. These parameters included algor mortis, changes in the eye, post-mortem hypostasis, rigor mortis, changes in decomposition, stomach and bowels content, contents of urinary bladder, and anecdotal evidence. All these parameters can only provide approximate time of death. However, conventional methods can only predict an approximate time of death. Researchers believe that nanotechnology, i.e., amino acid concentration from VH can be detected by fluorescent nanoparticles and then quantification could be assessed using flow cytometry which would be a possible approach to estimate TSD precisely. Forensic toxicological analysis Nanotechnology has been most effectively used in the field of forensic toxicology to detect various toxic substances from a wide range of critical forensic evidence such as hair, blood, saliva, vitreous, and even skeletal remains and fingerprint samples. Gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, and titanium oxide nanoparticles are commonly used to increase detection limits. Body fluid vitreous humour in which lidocaine hydrochloride is detected. Nano sensors developed with these innovative approaches are inexpensive, active, robust, time-limited screens tested as immediate spot tests and in the field for forensic toxicological drug screening. It can be used as a mandatory alternative to the method. Forensic nanotechnology has been effectively applied to real samples, shedding light on the applicability of nano sensors for toxicological analysis. Questioned documents Nanoparticles have been added to writing and printing ink formulations. SEM images of inks at various levels provide elemental profiles and morphological characteristics of pigments present in writing and printing inks. They consist of gold and silver nanoparticles with a particle size of 5 nm each, which aggregate and change colour when exposed to UV light. Radio frequency identification tags are made from ink containing gold nanoparticles encapsulated in alkanethiols. Provides essential information for determining the order of ballpoint pen ink and ribbon colours. Light-emitting nanoparticles such as quantum dots, nano-sized light-emitting phosphors, and upconverters can be incorporated into security documents as security tags to enhance security and prevent counterfeiting. Forensic examination of ink consists of optical, physical and chemical examination. The results of optical, physical and chemical tests form the analytical profile of the ink. Recently, several types of nanoparticles have been developed that can be used in a new generation of anti-counterfeiting inks. Nano Trackers Trackers and barcodes are used to track down stolen or missing products. Nanotechnology has developed various nanofibers and nanodots with colour codes that could help detect fake products. It is also extremely useful for maintaining prison security that prevents convicts from absconding. Nano trackers are injected into the prisoner’s body, enabling the duty officers to monitor the movement of a convict. Even after an individual is released, , this tracker keeps a detailed footprint of their movement and has helped prevent subsequent crimes by the same criminal. Nanotechnology is also applicable to solve cases related to cybercrime and sting operations. In the future of forensic science, nanotechnology will be of great importance as a more sensitive and selective method of detection, as well as helping to resolve many errors in evidence. Nanotechnology brings great benefits to the field of forensics. It is very helpful in discovering hidden evidence that cannot be traced. Nanotechnology helps forensic scientists prove the reliability of their findings in court. Scientific research is a need today, and nanotechnology is helping to meet this need. It is important to note that scientific progress is advancing rapidly, and we encounter new technologies every day. As such, it is the duty of forensic investigators to keep up to date with advances in this field. References 1.Srividya B. Nanotechnology in Forensics and Its Application in Forensic Investigation. Journal of Pharmaceutics and Nanotechnology 2.Femin Dominica and Dr. Richa Rohatgi. Extent of Nanotechnology in Forensic Science. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts 3.Hariprasad Madhukarrao Paikrao, Diksha Suryabhan Tajane, Anita Surendra Patil & Ashlesha Dipak Dipale. Applications of Nanotechnology in Forensic Science. Engineered Nanomaterials for Innovative Therapies and Biomedicine 4.https://legaldesire.com/the-role-of-nanotechnology-in-forensic-investigation/ Written By: Abhishek Shashikant Zarkar [Intern Id - AFRS_IP2321] B.Sc. III Forensic Science Yashavantrao Chavan Institute of Science, Satara