Nanotechnology Enhanced Forensic Chemistry: Revolutionizing Trace Evidence Detection and Toxicological Analysis

Abstract

By allowing the ultra-sensitive, quick, and portable identification of trace evidence from explosives and illegal narcotics to poisons and latent biomarkers nanotechnology is revolutionizing forensic science. This study examines the analytical performance, field deployability, and legal acceptability of current (2023-2025) developments in nanomaterialbased sensors, including surface-enhanced Raman substrates, quantum-dot biosensors, graphene and MoS₂ nanosheets, and noble-metal nanoparticles. Limits of detection (LOD) now frequently approach sub-nanomolar levels, a 10²-10⁴-fold improvement over traditional techniques, according to comparative study (Table 1; Figures 1-2). Matrix interference, nanotoxicology, and standardization are the remaining issues we address. We also suggest future options, including AI-assisted spectrum interprettation and environmentally friendly, cadmium-free quantum dots.