THE BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST IN FORENSIC SCIENCE: CONTRIBUTIONS OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY TECHNIQUES APPLICATION

Abstract

The present study aimed to analyze how the use of molecular biology techniques can enhance the contribution of biomedical scientists in forensic practice. To this end, it sought to identify the main molecular techniques employed in forensic investigations, the technical and scientific competencies of biomedical professionals, and the relevance of their role in strengthening the reliability of criminal evidence. The study was characterized as an integrative literature review, conducted using databases such as SciELO, LILACS, PubMed, CAPES Journals, and Google Scholar. The results showed that methods such as the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), genetic sequencing, and STR marker analysis represent significant advances in the accuracy of forensic examinations, allowing the individualization of genetic profiles from minimal or degraded samples. It was also found that the biomedical scientist, due to their multidisciplinary background and mastery of laboratory techniques, is essential at all stages of the forensic process, ensuring sample integrity, result reproducibility, and the credibility of technical reports. It is concluded that the integration between molecular biology and biomedicine strengthens the scientific foundation of forensic science, contributing to the promotion of justice and the establishment of a more ethical, precise, and reliable investigative system.