The use of biosensors in forensic science
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Keywords

biosensors
Forensic Sciences
Biological sensors

How to Cite

The use of biosensors in forensic science. (2025). Undergraduate Research in Health Journal, 3(1), e2018 . https://doi.org/10.1796/

Abstract

Background: Biosensors have emerged as indispensable tools with vast applications in diverse fields. The aim of this study was to review the use of biosensors in forensic science. Methods. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted, and articles published within the last 15 years were used.

Methods: A review of the use of biosensors in forensic science was conducted, and articles published within the last 15 years were used. The articles were reviewed for relevance. The complete text of the articles was therefore examined for data about biosensors.

Results: 21 articles were reviewed in this article, 81% were journal articles, 9% were books and 5% were an obituary. The most common uses discussed in the literature were forensic applications (27%), 21% discussed health applications (n=9), environmental and security applications (both discussed in 18%), food applications were discussed in 11% and agricultural uses in 5%. The forensic uses or potential applications and uses discussed are drug or toxicology screening (21%), biological trace screening (including body fluid detection, identification, sweat and blood analysis) (21%, pathogen detection (17%), body detection (12.5%), chemical analysis (12%), latent fingerprint detection (8%) and alcohol detection (8%). Future developments are expected to focus on multiplexing capabilities, nanotechnology integration for portability, and the exploration of newly discovered Cas proteins for bacteria and virus detection.

Conclusion: The current research and technological advancements in biosensor technology hold promising prospects for the continued evolution and integration of these analytical devices into forensic sciences and beyond.

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