Metabolomics:Open Access

Advancements in analytical techniques have revolutionized the fields of forensic and clinical toxicology, enabling faster, more sensitive and portable methods for drug screening and toxicological analysis. Among these innovations, paper-based microfluidic analytical devices have emerged as a promising technology, offering several advantages over traditional methods. In this article, we will delve into the world of paper-based microfluidic devices and explore their applications in forensic and clinical toxicology. Paper-based microfluidic analytical devices, also known as Paper-Based Analytical Devices (PADs) or Microfluidic Paper-Based Analytical Devices (μPADs), are a class of miniaturized diagnostic tools that utilize the wicking properties of paper to transport and control fluid flow. These devices are constructed by patterning hydrophobic barriers on filter paper, creating channels for fluid movement and enabling precise reactions. They offer numerous benefits such as simplicity, cost-effectiveness, portability and rapid analysis, making them highly suitable for point-of-care testing in both forensic and clinical settings. Paper-based microfluidic devices have shown great potential in on-site testing for drugs of abuse, a critical need in forensic toxicology. These devices can detect a wide range of substances, including cocaine, opiates, amphetamines and cannabinoids, from biological samples like blood, urine and saliva. Their rapid turnaround time and ease of use can aid law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories in obtaining quick results during criminal investigations.

Forensic and clinical toxicology play critical roles in identifying and understanding the effects of toxins and drugs on human health. These fields are essential in solving criminal investigations, determining cause-of-death, evaluating drug overdose cases and monitoring drug therapy in medical settings. Traditionally, toxicological analyses have been conducted in well-equipped laboratories, but recent advancements in microfluidic technology have introduced a revolutionary approach using paper-based microfluidics. This paper-based microfluidic system is portable, costeffective and user-friendly, presenting numerous opportunities for enhancing forensic and clinical toxicology applications. This article delves into the potential of paper-based microfluidics in revolutionizing these fields, offering quicker and more accessible results. Forensic toxicology involves the analysis of biological samples from deceased individuals to determine if toxins or drugs contributed to their death. It plays a crucial role in criminal investigations, helping to establish the cause of death, detect poisoning, or identify the presence of illicit substances. Clinical toxicology, on the other hand, focuses on analysing biological samples from living patients to diagnose and monitor drug intoxication, overdose, or therapeutic drug monitoring. Both fields rely heavily on laboratory-based analyses, which can be time-consuming, expensive and require specialized equipment and skilled personnel. Paper-based microfluidics aims to revolutionize this process by providing a simpler and more efficient way of conducting toxicological analyses.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a global health crisis, affecting millions of lives worldwide. While most individuals experience mild to moderate symptoms, severe cases can lead to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and multi-organ failure, resulting in mortality. Early identification of patients at risk of severe outcomes is crucial for providing timely interventions and improving survival rates. Recent research has focused on exploring metabolic and lipidomic markers as potential predictors of early mortality in COVID-19 patients. This article examines the significance of these markers in predicting COVID-19-related mortality and their potential implications for clinical practice. Metabolomics is the study of small-molecule metabolites present in biological systems. These metabolites play essential roles in various cellular processes, and their altered levels can reflect changes in the body's physiological state. Similarly, lipidomics focuses on analyzing lipid molecules and their role in cellular function and signaling pathways. In the context of COVID-19, the dysregulation of metabolic and lipidomic pathways has been linked to disease severity and outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that specific metabolic markers can serve as early indicators of poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients.

Precision medicine, also known as personalized medicine, is an innovative approach that tailors medical treatment and interventions to individual patients based on their unique genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. The integration of omics data, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, has significantly advanced precision medicine applications. In recent years, metabolic modelling has emerged as a powerful tool within precision medicine, offering a methodological perspective to understand disease mechanisms and identify personalized therapeutic strategies. This article explores the various applications of metabolic modelling in precision medicine, focusing on the integration of omics data to provide personalized treatment options. Metabolic modelling is a computational approach that characterizes the complex biochemical interactions occurring within cells, tissues, or organisms. By utilizing mathematical and computational techniques, metabolic models can predict cellular behaviour under different physiological and pathological conditions. These models integrate biochemical reactions, metabolite concentrations and enzyme kinetics to simulate the flux of metabolites within cellular networks.