Next generation sequencing (NGS): a golden tool in forensic toolkit

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• DNA analysis is fundamental to modern forensic science.
• Sanger sequencing has been a foundational technology, with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) now advancing the field.
• NGS offers significant improvements over conventional sequencing methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the applications of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) in forensic science.
• To discuss the potential of NGS in addressing challenges in forensic analysis.
• To emphasize the need for further research into the robustness of NGS techniques for routine forensic use.

Main Methods:

• Utilizes Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for high-throughput DNA analysis.
• Examines a large number of genetic markers simultaneously.
• Analyzes high-resolution genetic data.

Main Results:

• NGS overcomes limitations of conventional sequencing, enabling analysis of minute and degraded samples.
• High-resolution data aids in solving complex forensic challenges, including mixture analysis.
• NGS facilitates the determination of various biological data, including age, geographical origin, and external visible traits, and identification of monozygotic twins.

Conclusions:

• NGS significantly enhances forensic science capabilities by providing richer molecular data.
• The technology allows for the examination of microbial, insect, plant, and soil DNA for medico-legal importance.
• Further studies are required to validate the robustness of NGS for routine implementation in forensic casework.