Forensic Toxicology in the Modern Era: Overcoming Challenges and Harnessing New Trends Via Utilization of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

Background: The Fourth Industrial Revolution has ushered in transformative technological advancements, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) playing a pivotal role across industries. In forensic toxicology, AI offers unparalleled potential to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of biological sample analysis, criminal investigations, and medicolegal autopsies. Despite its promise, challenges such as ethical concerns, data privacy issues, and infrastructural requirements hinder widespread adoption.

Aim: This review explores the transformative role of AI in forensic medicine and toxicology, emphasizing its applications, potential benefits, and associated challenges. It aims to outline critical advancements required to harness AI’s full potential in these fields.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, examining existing and emerging applications of AI in forensic medicine and toxicology. The review focused on AI’s role in data analysis, omics research, forensic autopsies, and toxicological assessments. Limitations, ethical concerns, and infrastructural needs were also evaluated.

Results: AI-driven technologies enhance forensic investigations by automating labor-intensive tasks, increasing diagnostic precision, and enabling predictive analyses. Applications include virtual autopsies, injury age estimation through omics data, and the identification of novel toxins. However, limitations include reliance on high-quality datasets, ethical considerations, and significant investment in infrastructure and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Conclusion: AI is revolutionizing forensic toxicology and medicine, offering innovative solutions to longstanding challenges. While it enhances efficiency, precision, and reliability, its integration necessitates addressing ethical, technological, and operational barriers. Collaboration between stakeholders is essential to ensure AI complements human expertise, fostering trust and reliability in forensic practices.