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On the Application of Microfluidic-Based Technologies in Forensics: A Review
1Engineering Thermodynamics, Process & Energy Department, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Leeghwaterstraat 39, 2628CB Delft, The Netherlands.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 14, 2023
Summary
Microfluidic technology offers rapid, accurate, on-site forensic analysis for evidence like body fluids, drugs, and explosives. This review covers applications, methods, and future directions for this powerful forensic tool.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Traditional forensic analysis often requires extensive laboratory work, limiting on-site capabilities.
- The need for rapid, accurate, and portable analytical methods at crime scenes is critical.
- Microfluidic devices offer a potential solution for decentralized forensic investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the applications of microfluidic technology in forensic science.
- To summarize the use of microfluidics in forensic serology, human identification, and the analysis of drugs and explosives.
- To discuss the current limitations and future prospects of microfluidic implementation in forensic investigations.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on microfluidic applications in forensic science.
- Categorization of applications based on forensic fields (serology, identification, drug/explosive analysis).
- Discussion of microfluidic fabrication, materials, and operational modules relevant to forensics.
Main Results:
- Microfluidics enables rapid, accurate, and on-site analysis of various forensic evidence.
- Applications span from body fluid identification and human identification to drug and explosive discrimination.
- Fabrication methods, materials, and working modules of microfluidic devices are detailed.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidic technology holds significant promise for revolutionizing forensic investigations.
- Addressing current implementation challenges is key to unlocking its full potential.
- Future research should focus on further development and validation for widespread forensic adoption.
