Application of luminol in forensic science and biomedical sciences
Keywords:
Luminol, Forensic science, Latent blood stain, ChemiluminescenceAbstract
Luminol has long been a mainstay in forensic science, serving as a crucial tool for detecting latent bloodstains that elude the naked eye at crime scenes. Its effectiveness stems from the principle of chemiluminescence, where luminol emits a characteristic blue light upon oxidation in the presence of blood. This distinctive luminescence has made luminol testing an indispensable technique in crime scene investigations. This comprehensive review article delves into the rich history of luminol's discovery and its extensive forensic applications. It meticulously examines the structural composition of luminol and unravels the intricate mechanism of its chemiluminescent reaction, particularly emphasizing the pivotal role of blood in accelerating the reaction. The review further explores the practical aspects of luminol utilization, encompassing its efficacy on diverse surfaces, its remarkable sensitivity in detecting even minute blood traces, and its versatility in various crime scene scenarios. However, the review also acknowledges the limitations of luminol, including its susceptibility to interference from extraneous substances and its potential impact on subsequent bloodstain and DNA analysis. It meticulously discusses strategies to mitigate these limitations and ensure the integrity of forensic investigations. In addition to its established role in latent blood detection, this review also highlights the emerging applications of luminol in biological science research such as biosensor technology, opening new frontiers in bioanalysis. It envisions the potential of luminol-based immunoassay for the detection of a wide range of biomolecules, paving the way for advancements in clinical diagnostics and biomedical research.
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