Journal of Forensic Medicine ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (1): 49-55.DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2023.331003

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Research Progress on Hair Metabolomics and Its Application in Forensic Science

Xin-ying WANG1,2(), Jia-li ZHANG1,3(), Ping XIANG1, Xin WANG1()   

  1. 1.Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai 200063, China
    2.School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 117004, China
    3.School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Jinzhong 030600, Shanxi Province, China
  • Received:2023-10-26 Online:2026-04-28 Published:2026-02-25
  • Contact: Xin WANG

Abstract:

Metabolomics is an emerging technology that uses bioinformatics techniques and methods to comprehensively analyze changes in small-molecule metabolites within organisms to identify biomar-kers. In recent years, hair has gradually gained attention in the field of metabolomics. Compared with blood and urine, hair offers a wider detection window and enables retrospective studies. In addition, segmental analysis based on hair growth rates allows hair metabolomics to provide chronological information on changes in relevant substances. At present, hair metabolomics has established a certain research foundation in areas such as monitoring drug abuse, and it shows broad application prospects in forensic applications. This article reviews the collection and processing of hair samples, analytical techniques, and their applications in forensic research, with the aim of providing a reference for the further development of hair metabolomics and its in-depth application across multiple fields.

Key words: forensic medicine, metabolomics, hair, toxicological analysis, review

CLC Number: