Role of molecular diagnostics in forensic science

Since the first use of DNA to identify the perpetrator of a murder in 1985, forensic science has witnessed dramatic changes in the field of human identification. The technology has altered by adopting novel methods developed originally for use in the field of medical genetics. Currently, millions of samples from blood, semen, hair and tissues are analyzed to determine the origin of the samples. The processes used at present rely on the separation of polymorphic DNA fragments by electrophoresis. Although rapid, this process represents a bottleneck in the automation of the process. Recent advances in chip-based techniques offer a rapid and highly automated solution, provided that the necessary DNA polymorphisms can be examined in this way. This review examines the immediate future of human identification and considers possible routes for future developments.