Vajpayee Kamayani, Paida Vidhi, Shukla Ritesh K
Biological and Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Ahmedabad University, Central Campus, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
Int J Legal Med. 2025 May;139(3):945-964. doi: 10.1007/s00414-024-03402-0. Epub 2025 Jan 22.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) has transformed forensic DNA analysis but is still limited when dealing with compromised trace or inhibitor-containing samples. Nanotechnology has been integrated into nanoPCR (nanoparticle-assisted PCR) to overcome these obstacles. Nanomaterials improve PCR sensitivity, selectivity, and efficiency. Examples of these materials are semiconductor quantum dots and metal nanoparticles. They enhance DNA binding to primers, stabilize enzymes, and function as effective heat conductors, making accurate amplification possible even with tainted samples. The developments in nanoPCR have potential uses in forensics, as they allow for the more sensitive analysis of smaller, polluted, or deteriorated samples. Nevertheless, there are methodological and ethical issues. To provide credible and legitimate forensic evidence, rigorous validation and standardization of NanoPCR techniques are vital. The article addresses the relevant ethical and methodological aspects in forensic casework while examining the integration of nanotechnology into PCR.
聚合酶链反应（PCR）已经改变了法医DNA分析，但在处理受损的微量样本或含有抑制剂的样本时仍然存在局限性。纳米技术已被整合到纳米PCR（纳米颗粒辅助PCR）中以克服这些障碍。纳米材料提高了PCR的灵敏度、选择性和效率。这些材料的例子包括半导体量子点和金属纳米颗粒。它们增强了DNA与引物的结合，稳定了酶，并作为有效的热导体发挥作用，即使对于受污染的样本也能实现准确的扩增。纳米PCR的发展在法医学中有潜在的用途，因为它们能够对更小、受污染或变质的样本进行更灵敏的分析。然而，存在方法学和伦理问题。为了提供可信且合法的法医证据，纳米PCR技术的严格验证和标准化至关重要。本文在探讨纳米技术与PCR整合的同时，讨论了法医工作中相关的伦理和方法学方面的问题。
