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image of The Role of Nanotechnology in Forensic Ballistics: A Critical Review

Abstract

Forensic ballistics is an essential field in criminal investigations that focuses on the analysis of firearms, bullets, and gunshot residue (GSR) for linking criminals to the scene of crime. There are several chemical and instrumental techniques for the analysis of such evidence. However, these techniques have certain drawbacks, like having enough quantity of samples to initiate identification, slow processing of samples, and low accurate results. Using nanotechnology in forensic ballistics elevates this field by making the techniques more advanced for analysis and offering increased accuracy and sensitivity. Over the years, certain advancements have been made like rapid gunshot residue (GSR) detection using single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS). Implementing a technique in forensic ballistics widely used in nanotechnology research that uses polydimethylsiloxane polymer for replica modelling of cartridge cases allows visualization of submicrometric or nanometre size features. In this regard, an amperometric sensor was made to detect nitrite. This sensor can be used for rapid, on-site GSR screening and has the potential to integrate into portable forensic tools. Gold nanoparticles were utilized in another study to develop a sensor that leveraged gold nanoparticles to start a cascade reaction, which formed a fluorogenic response upon interaction with nitrite ions. This method can be used in analysing complex forensic samples where nitrite concentrations may be low. The present review deals with the nanotechnological advancements implemented in the field of forensic ballistics from 2012 onwards. Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize forensic ballistics by providing it with efficient methods for analysing ballistic evidence. As technology progresses, it will play a key role in solving crimes in the future.

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2025-04-04
2025-09-27

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/content/journals/cms/10.2174/0126661454358335250320084914
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The Role of Nanotechnology in Forensic Ballistics: A Critical Review
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0126661454358335250320084914
/content/journals/cms/10.2174/0126661454358335250320084914
/content/journals/cms/10.2174/0126661454358335250320084914
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  • Article Type:     Review Article
Keywords: polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) ; Pd particle-glassy carbon microspheres (Pd-GCMs) ; gunshot residue (GSR) ; nitrite ; Nanotechnology ; gold nanoparticle

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