Metabolomik: Open Access

Forensic and Clinical Toxicology: Unraveling the Potential of Paper-Based Microfluidics

Abstract

Yan Liu

Forensic and clinical toxicology play critical roles in identifying and understanding the effects of toxins and drugs on human health. These fields are essential in solving criminal investigations, determining cause-of-death, evaluating drug overdose cases and monitoring drug therapy in medical settings. Traditionally, toxicological analyses have been conducted in well-equipped laboratories, but recent advancements in microfluidic technology have introduced a revolutionary approach using paper-based microfluidics. This paper-based microfluidic system is portable, costeffective and user-friendly, presenting numerous opportunities for enhancing forensic and clinical toxicology applications. This article delves into the potential of paper-based microfluidics in revolutionizing these fields, offering quicker and more accessible results. Forensic toxicology involves the analysis of biological samples from deceased individuals to determine if toxins or drugs contributed to their death. It plays a crucial role in criminal investigations, helping to establish the cause of death, detect poisoning, or identify the presence of illicit substances. Clinical toxicology, on the other hand, focuses on analysing biological samples from living patients to diagnose and monitor drug intoxication, overdose, or therapeutic drug monitoring. Both fields rely heavily on laboratory-based analyses, which can be time-consuming, expensive and require specialized equipment and skilled personnel. Paper-based microfluidics aims to revolutionize this process by providing a simpler and more efficient way of conducting toxicological analyses.