An automated instrument for human STR identification: design, characterization, and experimental validation

Electrophoresis. 2010 Oct;31(21):3510-7. doi: 10.1002/elps.201000305.

Abstract

The microfluidic integration of an entire DNA analysis workflow on a fully integrated miniaturized instrument is reported using lab-on-a-chip automation to perform DNA fingerprinting compatible with CODIS standard relevant to the forensic community. The instrument aims to improve the cost, duration, and ease of use to perform a "sample-to-profile" analysis with no need for human intervention. The present publication describes the operation of the three major components of the system: the electronic control components, the microfluidic cartridge and CE microchip, and the optical excitation/detection module. Experimental details are given to characterize the level of performance, stability, reliability, accuracy, and sensitivity of the prototype system. A typical temperature profile from a PCR amplification process and an electropherogram of a commercial size standard (GeneScan 500™, Applied Biosystems) separation are shown to assess the relevance of the instrument to forensic applications. Finally, we present a profile from an automated integrated run where lysed cells from a buccal swab were introduced in the system and no further human intervention was required to complete the analysis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cheek
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA / isolation & purification
  • Electrophoresis, Capillary / methods*
  • Forensic Genetics / methods
  • Humans
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / methods
  • Microsatellite Repeats*
  • Mouth Mucosa / cytology
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA / instrumentation*
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA / methods
  • Temperature

Substances

  • DNA