Authors
Bhumit Chavda, Dr. Kapil Kumar, Dr. Saumil Merchant
Abstract
The estimation of time since death (TSD) is a critical component of forensic science, aiding in criminal investigations and legal proceedings. Accurate estimation involves considering factors such as Algor Mortis, Rigor Mortis, Lividity (Livor Mortis), chemical changes, metabolic processes, RNA, DNA, protein degradation, and radiological imaging systems. This study explores the role of biomarkers, specifically proteins, in determining TSD through various analytical techniques applied to human and animal tissues. As decomposition progresses post-mortem, specific biochemical changes occur, allowing for the identification of reliable biomarkers. Certain biochemical alterations take place as post-mortem decomposition advances, making it possible to identify trustworthy biomarkers. We examine well-known techniques such as Immuno-histochemical (IHC), ATR-FTIR, Mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), emphasizing how well they measure the composition and degradation of proteins. We show how the identification of protein biomarkers can improve the precision of PMI estimates by combining various methods. Biomarkers and protein estimation techniques are invaluable in forensic science for estimating the time since death. By concluding, we can understand the biochemical changes that occur post-mortem and by employing advanced analytical techniques, forensic scientists can provide more accurate TSD assessments, aiding investigations and legal proceedings. The different techniques were used widely in which SDS-PAGE, Gel Electrophoresis, and Western Blot were used mostly due to their precise estimation of protein level. Keywords: Protein Estimation, PMI, Biomarkers, Molecular Techniques, Time Since Death Estimation
Introduction
The estimation of time since death (TSD) is a fundamental aspect of forensic science, essential for criminal investigations and legal determinations (Madea). Precise TSD estimation requires the assessment of multiple postmortem physiological and biochemical parameters, including algor mortis, rigor mortis, and livor mortis, as well as molecular and metabolic alterations such as RNA, DNA, and protein degradation (Donaldson and Lamont, 2013).
A biomarker is a defined characteristic evaluated as an indicator of a pathogenic process, a normal physiological process, or a response to exposure or intervention, including therapeutic intervention. The use of biomarkers in epidemiological investigations enhances the validity by reducing measurement bias in neurological illnesses (Megyesi et al., 2005). The use of biomarkers enhances the sensitivity and specificity of risk factor exposures. Molecular biomarkers provide the capability to identify individuals predisposed to disease (Müller and Graeber, 1996).
Fundamentals of PMI in Forensic Medicine
The discipline of forensic science includes forensic biology as a branch. It employs biological expertise to detect and study biological evidence acquired from the crime scene, the victim, or the suspect to show that the crime happened. The examination of evidence linked to living beings and the biological components they are frequently found with at crime scenes is the focus of the field of forensic biology (Henssge and Madea, 2004).
Traditional postmortem interval (PMI) estimation methods, including algor mortis, rigor mortis, and livor mortis, are often influenced by environmental conditions, individual physiological variations, and external factors such as temperature and microbial activity, leading to inconsistencies and reduced accuracy in forensic investigations (Payne-James et al., 2003; Secco et al., 2025). Biochemical and enzymatic approaches, while more advanced, still face limitations in standardization and reproducibility. Proteomics has emerged as a powerful tool in forensic science, providing molecular insights into PMI estimation through the degradation kinetics of specific proteins. Advanced analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) enable precise identification and quantification of postmortem protein biomarkers, offering a more objective and reproducible approach to time-of-death estimation (Secco et al., 2025; Donaldson and Lamont, 2014). This review aims to examine the role of protein biomarkers in forensic investigations, assess various proteomic methodologies applied to PMI determination in human and animal models, and evaluate their advantages over traditional techniques.
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| APA Style | Chavda, Bhumit, et al. (2025). The Impact of Protein Biomarkers on Time Since Death Estimation Using Diverse Molecular Techniques. Academic Journal of Forensic Sciences, 08(01), 32-42. |
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