Revolutionizing forensic DNA analysis: The potential of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in genetic investigations

The newest achievements in the field of molecular biology and gene-editing technologies have transformed the paradigm of forensic DNA analysis. However, there are still great difficulties in interpreting degraded, low-template, mixed genetic samples. The review critically evaluates the transformative potential of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and an associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) as an accurate, effective, and cost-efficient system of genome-editing in the field of forensic science. Based on the evidence of the current literature, the paper critically analyzes the mechanisms of CRISPR-Cas9 activity, its RNA-guided specificity, dual-strand cleavage, and high-fidelity targeting, and compares its functionality with other standard methods like the STR and SNP profiling. The review also discusses more complex CRISPR-based diagnostic systems, such as SHERLOCK, DETECTR, and HOLMES that allow the analysis of DNA rapidly, without amplification, and in a portable format. Among major discoveries, there is the ability of CRISPR to increase the accuracy of DNA profiling, resolve mixture, recapitulate damaged genetic material, and reduce the possibility of contamination. In addition to genetic analysis, it has applications in forensic epigenetics, prediction of phenotypes, microbial forensics and environmental trace analysis. The review also covers the ethical, legal and governance implications of implementing CRISPR-based evidence in the judicial process especially in as far as data privacy; admissibility and equity of access are concerned. In general, CRISPR-Cas9 is a paradigm shift in forensic genomics, the one that has the potential to transform personal identification, reconstruction of the crime scene, and the interpretation of molecular evidence. Future efforts should focus on method validation, standardization, and ethical governance to ensure the responsible and sustainable implementation of this technology in forensic practice.