Magnetic nanocomposite-assisted RNA isolation: A nanobiotechnological approach for forensic molecular diagnostics

Forensic science employs scientific methodologies to investigate crimes and interpret evidentiary material. Among its many branches, biotechnology has emerged as a key discipline, enabling DNA profiling, paternity testing, and tissue identification. However, conventional molecular approaches, particularly for ribonucleic acid (RNA) extraction, remain limited by time-consuming protocols, chemical toxicity, and vulnerability to degradation. This study explores the integration of biotechnology and nanotechnology—termed nanobiotechnology—to enhance RNA isolation through the application of magnetic nanocomposites. A NiFe₂O₄@ZnO nanocomposite was synthesized via the sol–gel auto-combustion method and characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The composite was then employed for RNA extraction from biological tissue and compared with the conventional TRI reagent method in terms of yield, purity, and structural integrity. Results demonstrate that nanocomposite-assisted extraction offers a faster, safer, and more efficient alternative, underscoring its potential application in forensic investigations requiring high-quality RNA recovery from minimal or degraded samples.