<br />Nanotechnology is the study, design, creation, synthesis, manipulation, application of functional material devices, and systems through control of matter at a nanometer scale. The word “nano” is derived from the Greek word “dwarf”. A nanostructure is an object described between the size of 1 nm-100 nm. The materials at nanometer scale possess different and enhanced properties compared with the same material at larger size, and this makes them superior than other. Nanotechnology can be applied to forensic science in two ways; the first method is the detection and analysis of samples in a nanoscale. The second method is the assistance of nanomaterials with novel properties, <br />in the collection and detection of evidences. The implementation of nanotechnology in forensic science involves the development of reactive materials, microchip technology, nano-manipulators, nano imaging tools, for visualization. <br />Nanotechnology alone or in combination with other technologies have significant application in security, drug screening, explosive and latent fingermark detection, the analysis of questioned document and DNA analysis. The evolution of nanosensors and nano devices for identifying anonymous evidence is one of the novel application of nanoforensics. Introduction of nanotechnology in forensic science aims to significantly evolve the investigation process by making it more faster, accurate, sensitive and effective. Nanotechnology or nano particles are considered as reactive or smart materials in the field of forensics which include nanomanipulators and nanoimaging tools for visualization. Nanotechnology along with other technology is deemed to enable the forensic scientist to analyse complex evidences easily and accurately and also find even the smallest traces of evidence found at a crime scene. In science, nanotech or nanotechnology is a subject that occurs majorly in physics and chemistry, but in forensic science nanotechnology is used in all the branches of science including biology and is used for security, screening of drugs, detection of explosives, DNA analysis and many more. Given the size of the nano particle, its is close to impossible to find a evidence of this size at a crime scene of any sort. To tackle this nano sprayers are used that helps detect nano particles or nano evidences at a crime scene. Lab-on-a-chip is also one of the products of nanotechnology with the help of which a forensic scientist can easily analyse a nano evidence accurately. It is also said that in the near future detection of single DNA molecule is also possible using nanotechnology.<br />The abovementioned nanotechnology is destined not only to prevent and reduce general crime but also help forensic nanotech to further advance and evolve. To enhance security and to prevent crime, nanotechnology has successfully proved itself effective. Nanotechnology not only possess the potential to solve crimes but also can help in preventing it. In the near future, nanotechnology may be helpful as an innovative and preventive tool in the various field of forensic science that include virtual autopsy, crime scene investigation, fingerprint identification, questioned document, ballistics, and toxicology. <br />Nanotechnology is used effectively in forensic toxicology for examination of different toxic materials from important forensic evidence like hair, bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, vitreous humour and even from remains of body skeletons and samples of evidence of fingerprints. The transformation of bulky instruments into small chip-based system by nanoparticles shortens the analytical method to make investigations, sensitive, timely, and applicable. Nowadays nanotrackers and barcodes are used to combat the crime The future may also embraces many possibilities for nanomaterial-based devices available for the detection and investigation of crime, surveillance, and tracking the missing or stolen items. Along with the positive aspects of nanotechnology application in forensic science, the negative aspects must also be considered. The translocation of nanoparticles in human organs due to chronic occupational exposure have toxicological impact. Biological materials such as DNA may get degraded and it may account for the release of nucleases from the putryfying cell, bacterial decomposition, cross linking, oxidation and deamination etc. In the near future, nanotechnology may assist as an innovative and preventive tool in the various field of forensic science like virtual autopsy, crime scene investigation, and more advancement in fields of fingerprint identification, questioned document, ballistics, and toxicology<br />Prof. Nemah H. Mahdi Aljubori<br />"Al-Mustaqbal University is the number one university in Iraq."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />