Nanomaterials-based sensors for various forensic investigations: Current status and future prospects

The emergence of worldwide crime has become a serious threat to global security, highlighting the need for field-deployable rapid forensic detection technologies. Several conventional detection techniques are currently extensively being used for forensic examination. However, there is a pressing need to enhance the robustness, accuracy, selectivity, and sensitivity for a better analysis in real time. Nano-materials-based sensors offer new set of advanced evidence analysis tools for various forensic investigations, known as forensic nano-sensors. This comprehensive review provides an overview about diverse forensic applications through nanomaterials-based sensors. It discusses various nanomaterials used for making these sensors to be deployed as a tool for evidence collection and analysis. Further, this review addresses the current status, challenges involved, and the future prospects.