Toward Analysis at the Point of Need: A Digital Microfluidic Approach to Processing Multi‐Source Sexual Assault Samples

Forensic case samples collected in sexual assaults typically contain DNA from multiple sources, which complicates short‐tandem repeat (STR) profiling. These samples are typically sent to a laboratory to separate the DNA from sperm and non‐sperm sources prior to analysis. Here, the automation and min...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Advanced science 2024-11, Vol.11 (41), p.e2405712-n/a
Main Authors: Elsayed, Mohamed, Bodo, Leticia, Gaoiran, Christine, Keuhnelian, Palig, Dosajh, Advikaa, Luk, Vivienne, Schwandt, Melissa, French, Julie L., Ghosh, Alpana, Erickson, Barbara, Charlesworth, Amanda G., Millman, Jonathan, Wheeler, Aaron R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Automation
differential digestion
digital microfluidics
DNA - genetics
DNA Fingerprinting - methods
Female
Forensic sciences
Humans
Integrated software
Laboratories
Male
Methods
Microfluidics - methods
Microsatellite Repeats - genetics
rapid DNA analysis
Robotics
Sex crimes
Sex Offenses
Specimen Handling - methods
Vagina
Work stations
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Summary:Forensic case samples collected in sexual assaults typically contain DNA from multiple sources, which complicates short‐tandem repeat (STR) profiling. These samples are typically sent to a laboratory to separate the DNA from sperm and non‐sperm sources prior to analysis. Here, the automation and miniaturization of these steps using digital microfluidics (DMF) is reported, which may eventually enable processing sexual assault samples outside of the laboratory, at the point of need. When applied to vaginal swab samples collected up to 12 h post‐coitus (PC), the new method identifies single‐source (male) STR profiles. When applied to samples collected 24–72 h PC, the method identifies mixed STR profiles, suggesting room for improvement and/or potential for data deconvolution. In sum, an automated, miniaturized sample pre‐processing method for separating the DNA contained in sexual assault samples is demonstrated. This type of automated processing using DMF, especially when combined with Rapid DNA Analysis, has the potential to be used for processing of sexual assault samples in hospitals, police offices, and other locations outside of the laboratory. An automated, potentially portable Differential Digestion technique is developed using digital microfluidics. The new method proved compatible with Rapid DNA analysis, resulting in high‐quality STR profiles that can be used to identify the male profile in vaginal swab samples collected after coitus.
ISSN:2198-3844
2198-3844
DOI:10.1002/advs.202405712