Nanoparticle

Forensic science

Materials science

Chromatography

Archaeology

Nanotechnology

Organic chemistry

Nanomedicine

Geography

Environmental chemistry

Nanomaterials

Chemistry

Sample (material)

Explosive material

TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry

Nanomaterials, over the years have found applications in nanomedicine, environmental remediation, and other catalytic applications due to their small size, large surface area and enhanced reactivity. Functionalization of these nanomaterials allows the incorporation of a myriad of functional groups that not only enhance the existing properties of the nanomaterials but also impart additional properties. Due to this, the applicability of these functionalized nanomaterials significantly increases and are therefore highly suitable for use in forensic science. Lately, such functionalized nanoscale materials have assisted in the detection of fingerprints, explosives, chemical and biological warfare agents and unlawful drugs. This review discusses about the classification of functionalized nanomaterials, their fabrication, and their application in different fields of forensic science. It also offers insights into the prospects and challenges of bringing the functionalized nanomaterial-based technology to the end user in the forensic science laboratories.

Functionalized nanomaterial for forensic sample analysis