Saliva and Salivary Biomarkers: A Promising Frontier in Forensic and Clinical Diagnostics

Abstract

With advancements in forensic and biomedical research, saliva has emerged as a crucial biological fluid due to its non-invasive collection method and rich source of diagnostic information across various investigative domains. This review explores the multifaceted applications of saliva in forensic science, particularly in personal identification, DNA profiling, drug detection, and biomarker analysis. In recent years, salivary microbiome profiling and the detection of salivary biomarkers have gained prominence. The presence of unique microbial species has enabled significant progress in disease diagnosis and forensic identification. Saliva is also instrumental in monitoring dental caries, periodontal diseases, oral cancer, and certain systemic diseases due to changes in its biochemical and microbial composition. This paper highlights the expanding role of saliva as a reliable, non-invasive substrate bridging forensic science and clinical diagnostics.