Nano-Forensics a Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Nanotechnology is making a valuable contribution in every field. It is a widely used technique because of its ability to manipulate and characterize the matter at a level of single atoms and small atoms [1]. The word “nano” is derived from the ancient Greek “Nanos,” meaning “dwarf,” which refers to the “billionth” or a factor of 10-9. In general, to understand 1nm is about 3-10 atoms wide. It is very tiny when compared with the standard size encountered day-to-day. E.g., 1nm is 1/1000th the width of human hair. Nanotechnology described the study aspect concerning the science, engineering, and technology conducted at a scale that ranges between 1 to 100 nanometers [2]. The potential of nanotechnology in electronics, diagnostics, biosensing, imaging, optical devices, and drug delivery due to their small size, large surface area, and enhanced reactivity [3-7]. Its multi-purpose application in almost every field has made it a universal purpose technology [2]. Therefore this universal technology has a plentiful of applications in the field of forensic science. Nano-Forensic, an exquisite blend of nanotechnology and forensic science, is entirely a novel discipline in forensic science. Nano-Forensic helps identify and examine evidence at the nanoscale level as earlier, it is impossible to analyze the critical evidence because of the instrument’s detection limit. With advancements in the techniques, Nano analysis is transforming the investigation process by making them more accurate, faster, and more sensitive [8,9]. Nano forensic and other technologies have significant fingerprint analysis applications, explosive detection, drug screening, toxic substance analysis, and DNA analysis [10,11]. This review would briefly update how nanotechnology is widely used in forensic analysis of evidence.