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From Bench to Courtroom: Overcoming Practical, Technical, and Legal Barriers to Implementing Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) in Forensic Science
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Mahya Fatahi *   |
| Marvdasht Azad Univercity , mahyafatahi@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (8 Views) |
Background: Although capillary electrophoresis (CE) remains the gold standard for forensic DNA profiling, its inherent limitations in resolving highly degraded samples and complex mixtures necessitate the adoption of more robust technologies. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers transformative potential by providing high-resolution genetic data and extensive multiplexing capabilities. This systematic review aims to identify and critically analyze the systematic barriers impeding the seamless translation of NGS from research laboratories to routine criminal casework and courtroom admissibility.
Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2026 were retrieved from major electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) using Boolean operators targeting the intersection of "Next-Generation Sequencing", "Forensic Science", and "Implementation Challenges". Selected studies were categorized and synthesized across four primary domains: technical, bioinformatic, regulatory, and ethical.
Results: Synthesis of the evidence revealed four critical bottlenecks:
(1) Technical challenges, characterized by high library preparation costs and the difficulty of maintaining sensitivity with low-template or degraded DNA specimens.
(2) Bioinformatic hurdles, encompassing the lack of standardized analytical pipelines and the "black-box" dilemma concerning algorithmic transparency.
(3) Regulatory constraints, stemming from stringent developmental and internal validation mandates (e.g., SWGDAM and ISFG guidelines) required for legal admissibility
(4) Ethical and privacy dilemmas, primarily associated with the inadvertent disclosure of secondary, health-related genetic information and the expanded scope of forensic genetic genealogy.
Conclusion: The integration of NGS into routine forensic practice is an inevitable paradigm shift, yet it demands a multidisciplinary implementation roadmap. Bridging the gap between technological innovation and judicial practice requires concerted efforts to standardize bioinformatic workflows, develop cost-effective laboratory protocols, and establish clear legal and regulatory frameworks governing the evidentiary interpretation of complex genomic data in the courtroom.
Keywords: Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), Forensic Genetics, Implementation Barriers, Bioinformatic Standardization, Forensic Validation, Criminal Evidence
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| Keywords: High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing, Forensic Genetics, Validation Studies, Legal Evidence |
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Type of Article: Systematic Review |
Subject:
Forensic Medicine Software
Received: 2026/09/8 | Revised: 2026/11/15 | Accepted: 2026/11/15
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