Biotechnology Applied to Forensic Sciences

Abstract

Forensic biotechnology is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field integrating molecular biology, genomics, and data science to address complex investigative challenges. Its applications span diverse domains, including criminalistics, food authentication, environmental monitoring, and bioterrorism preparedness. Advanced technologies such as Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), CRISPR-Cas biosensors, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) play pivotal roles in modern diagnostics. NGS and eDNA revolutionize genetic profiling and ecological tracking, while microbiome analysis provides crucial insights into post-mortem intervals, cause of death, and geolocation. Simultaneously, CRISPR-based methods enable ultra-rapid pathogen detection, nanobiotechnology facilitates portable Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) DNA analysis, and AI-driven algorithms optimize the interpretation of complex genomic mixtures and epigenetic age estimation. Despite these breakthroughs, significant challenges persist, including the strict legal admissibility of novel methodologies, the “black-box” dilemma in AI, ethical concerns regarding genetic privacy, and the critical need for global standardization. This review critically examines current biotechnological progress and future prospects, emphasizing the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure reliable, accurate, and ethically sound forensic practices.