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Bruijns B, Knotter J, Tiggelaar R. A Systematic Review on Commercially Available Integrated Systems for Forensic DNA Analysis. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:1075. [PMID: 36772114 PMCID: PMC9919030 DOI: 10.3390/s23031075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review describes and discusses three commercially available integrated systems for forensic DNA analysis, i.e., ParaDNA, RapidHIT, and ANDE. A variety of aspects, such as performance, time-to-result, ease-of-use, portability, and costs (per analysis run) of these three (modified) rapid DNA analysis systems, are considered. Despite their advantages and developmental progress, major steps still have to be made before rapid systems can be broadly applied at crime scenes for full DNA profiling. Aspects in particular that need (further) improvement are portability, performance, the possibility to analyze a (wider) variety of (complex) forensic samples, and (cartridge) costs. Moreover, steps forward regarding ease-of-use and time-to-result will benefit the broader use of commercial rapid DNA systems. In fact, it would be a profit if rapid DNA systems could be used for full DNA profile generation as well as indicative analyses that can give direction to forensic investigators which will speed up investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Bruijns
- Technologies for Criminal Investigations, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, M.H. Tromplaan 28, 7513 AB Enschede, The Netherlands
- Politieacademie, Arnhemseweg 348, 7334 AC Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Knotter
- Technologies for Criminal Investigations, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, M.H. Tromplaan 28, 7513 AB Enschede, The Netherlands
- Politieacademie, Arnhemseweg 348, 7334 AC Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
| | - Roald Tiggelaar
- NanoLab Cleanroom, MESA+ Institute, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
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2
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Kubo S, Niimi H, Kitajima I. Rapid and direct detection of male DNA by recombinase polymerase amplification assay. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2022; 59:102704. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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3
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Ren ZL, Zhang JR, Zhang XM, Liu X, Lin YF, Bai H, Wang MC, Cheng F, Liu JD, Li P, Kong L, Bo XC, Wang SQ, Ni M, Yan JW. Forensic nanopore sequencing of STRs and SNPs using Verogen's ForenSeq DNA Signature Prep Kit and MinION. Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:1685-1693. [PMID: 33950286 PMCID: PMC8098014 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02604-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The MinION nanopore sequencing device (Oxford Nanopore Technologies, Oxford, UK) is the smallest commercially available sequencer and can be used outside of conventional laboratories. The use of the MinION for forensic applications, however, is hindered by the high error rate of nanopore sequencing. One approach to solving this problem is to identify forensic genetic markers that can consistently be typed correctly based on nanopore sequencing. In this pilot study, we explored the use of nanopore sequencing for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and short tandem repeat (STR) profiling using Verogen’s (San Diego, CA, USA) ForenSeq DNA Signature Prep Kit. Thirty single-contributor samples and DNA standard material 2800 M were genotyped using the Illumina (San Diego, CA, USA) MiSeq FGx and MinION (with R9.4.1 flow cells) devices. With an optimized cutoff for allelic imbalance, all 94 identity-informative SNP loci could be genotyped reliably using the MinION device, with an overall accuracy of 99.958% (1 error among 2926 genotypes). STR typing was notably error prone, and its accuracy was locus dependent. We developed a custom-made bioinformatics workflow, and finally selected 13 autosomal STRs, 14 Y-STRs, and 4 X-STRs showing high consistency between nanopore and Illumina sequencing among the tested samples. These SNP and STR loci could be candidates for panel design for forensic analysis based on nanopore sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Lin Ren
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Rong Zhang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Meng Zhang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Liu
- Beijing Center for Physical and Chemical Analysis, Beijing, 100089, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Feng Lin
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Bai
- Center for Bioinformatics, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Chun Wang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Cheng
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Ding Liu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Li
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Kong
- Center for Bioinformatics, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Chen Bo
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Qi Wang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ming Ni
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jiang-Wei Yan
- School of Forensic Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, People's Republic of China.
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4
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Shrivastava P, Jain T, Kumawat RK. Direct PCR amplification from saliva sample using non-direct multiplex STR kits for forensic DNA typing. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7112. [PMID: 33782478 PMCID: PMC8007628 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86633-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to its proficiency to provide the most discriminating results for forensic applications, medical research and anthropological studies, multiplex PCR based STR analysis has been established as the most efficient technique in the forensic DNA analysis. Several multiplex amplification kits based on 4, 5 and 6 dyes chemistry are commercially available and used in forensic DNA typing across the globe. These multiplex PCR systems are routinely used for amplification of multiple STR loci (Autosomal, Y and/or X STR's) in the DNA extracted from various biological samples. In the routine forensic DNA testing, DNA profile obtained is compared with the DNA profile of the reference sample, which takes a certain turnaround time and employs costly lab resources. Successive development in forensic DNA typing have resulted in advent of improved multiplex kits which have reduced the effective analysis time, cost and minimized the number of steps required in comparison to conventional forensic DNA typing. Specialized direct amplification compatible multiplex kits are also available nowadays. These kits are relatively costlier but still require few pre-processing steps, which does not make them worth the hefty cost. Herein, this study, we have used non-direct multiplex STR kits to assess their efficacy for direct amplification. In the present study, 103 saliva samples were directly amplified without any pre-treatment of the samples using thirteen non-direct multiplex kits (4 dyes, 5 dyes and 6 dyes chemistry based) for forensic DNA typing. Here, we report a validated direct PCR amplification protocol from the reference saliva samples by omitting DNA extraction and quantification steps, which resulted in 80% reduction of the turnaround time. The developed protocol is cost effective, time efficient and it does not compromise with the quality of DNA profiles. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report for direct amplification of DNA with the most commonly used non-direct multiplex STR kits without any pre-treatment of the sample. Complete DNA profiles matching all the essential quality parameters were obtained successfully from all the tested samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Shrivastava
- DNA Fingerprinting Unit, State Forensic Science Laboratory, Sagar, MP, 470001, India.
| | - Toshi Jain
- DNA Fingerprinting Unit, State Forensic Science Laboratory, Sagar, MP, 470001, India
| | - R K Kumawat
- DNA Division, State Forensic Science Laboratory, Rajasthan, Jaipur, 302016, India
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5
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Sinha K, Sharma P, Som Chaudhury S, Das Mukhopadhyay C, Ruidas B. Species detection using probe technology. FOOD TOXICOLOGY AND FORENSICS 2021:313-346. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-822360-4.00012-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/19/2023]
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6
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Li M, Tao R, Zhou W, Li Y, Meng M, Zhang Y, Yu L, Chen L, Bian Y, Li C. Validation studies of the ParaDNA ® Intelligence System with artificial evidence items. Forensic Sci Res 2019; 6:84-91. [PMID: 34007520 PMCID: PMC8110186 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2019.1665159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Short tandem repeat (STR) profiling is one of the mostly used systems for forensic applications. In certain circumstances, STR profiling is time-consuming and costly, which potentially leads to delays in criminal investigations. LGC (Laboratory of the Government Chemist, UK) Forensics has developed a robust STR profiling platform called the ParaDNA® Intelligence Test System which can provide early tactical intelligence and aid investigators in making informed decisions on sample prioritization for detection. Here, we validated the ParaDNA intelligence test for its application in forensic cases using a range of mock evidence items following guidelines set by the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM). Specifically, we tested the sensitivity and accuracy of the ParaDNA intelligence test, as well as the success rates for detecting mock samples and for use in case scenarios. Our findings demonstrate that the ParaDNA intelligence test generates useful DNA profiles, especially for samples such as blood, saliva, and semen that contain ample DNA, indicating the benefits of including ParaDNA as a prior step in forensic STR profiling pipelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Sciences, Ministry of Justice, P.R. China, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruiyang Tao
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Sciences, Ministry of Justice, P.R. China, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Yanan Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Sciences, Ministry of Justice, P.R. China, Shanghai, China.,Department of Forensic Medical, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Meng Meng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Sciences, Ministry of Justice, P.R. China, Shanghai, China.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yilun Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Sciences, Ministry of Justice, P.R. China, Shanghai, China.,School of Basic Medicine, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Linsheng Yu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Liqin Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yingnan Bian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Sciences, Ministry of Justice, P.R. China, Shanghai, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, China, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengtao Li
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Academy of Forensic Sciences, Ministry of Justice, P.R. China, Shanghai, China
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7
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George K, Masters A, Dawnay N. Development of HyBeacon® probes for the forensic detection of Panthera, rhinoceros, and pangolin species. Mol Cell Probes 2019; 48:101450. [PMID: 31563668 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2019.101450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) represents a multi-billion dollar black-market industry whereby wild species are illegally taken from their natural environment and sold. A common question asked by wildlife forensic scientists pertains to species and/or genus identity, which currently requires multi-step processing. Our work details the development of three HyBeacon® probes, used for the presumptive detection of rhinoceros, pangolin and key target species in the Panthera genus. The approach can be performed in a single tube using melt curve analysis and provide rapid assessment of sample identity. Using synthetic DNA of representative species, early data suggest the approach is sensitive enough to achieve species identification with <10 cells. Future development and assay validation can allow the rapid screening of multiple seized items before confirmatory DNA sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley George
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Alice Masters
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Nick Dawnay
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.
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8
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Masters A, Ogden R, Wetton JH, Dawnay N. Defining end user requirements for a field-based molecular detection system for wildlife forensic investigations. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 301:231-239. [PMID: 31181408 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The increasing use of non-laboratory-based DNA and protein detection methods promise to provide rapid investigative intelligence and support sample prioritisation. Primarily developed for human forensic or medical applications, current systems may also show utility in the field of wildlife forensic science. However, it is currently unknown whether the requirements of the wildlife forensic community can be met by current non-laboratory based tools. Given the diverse array of stakeholders and sample types commonly encountered, it is necessary to first identify the needs of the community and then try and map their needs to current instrumentation. By using a market research style questionnaire, this study identified key requirements for a non-laboratory-based system following feedback from the wildlife forensic community. Data showed that there is strong support for field-based detection methods while highlighting concerns including contamination risks and reduced quality assurance associated with non-laboratory testing. Key species and applications were identified alongside hurdles to implementation and adoption. Broadly, the requirements align with many of the developmental drivers that have led to the rise of in-field portable detection instrumentation, specifically rapid detection within one hour, ease-of-use, and ≥95% accuracy. Several existing platforms exist that met some of the identified requirements but not all. With further collaboration between industry partners and the wildlife forensic community it is possible that new field-based systems can be developed and applied routinely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Masters
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Rob Ogden
- Royal School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK; TRACE Wildlife Forensics Network, Edinburgh, EH12 6LE, UK
| | - Jon H Wetton
- Department of Genetics & Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Nick Dawnay
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.
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9
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Cornelis S, Tytgat O, Fauvart M, Gansemans Y, Vander Plaetsen AS, Wiederkehr RS, Deforce D, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Stakenborg T. Silicon µPCR Chip for Forensic STR Profiling with Hybeacon Probe Melting Curves. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7341. [PMID: 31089203 PMCID: PMC6517373 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43946-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The demand to perform forensic DNA profiling outside of centralized laboratories and on the crime scene is increasing. Several criminal investigations would benefit tremendously from having DNA based information available in the first hours rather than days or weeks. However, due to the complexity and time-consuming nature of standard DNA fingerprinting methods, rapid and automated analyses are hard to achieve. We here demonstrate the implementation of an alternative DNA fingerprinting method in a single microchip. By combining PCR amplification and HyBeacon melting assays in a silicon Lab-on-a-chip (LoC), a significant step towards rapid on-site DNA fingerprinting is taken. The small form factor of a LoC reduces reagent consumption and increases portability. Additional miniaturization is achieved through an integrated heating element covering 24 parallel micro-reactors with a reaction volume of 0.14 µl each. The high level of parallelization allows the simultaneous analysis of 4 short tandem repeat (STR) loci and the amelogenin gender marker commonly included in forensic DNA analysis. A reference and crime scene sample can be analyzed simultaneously for direct comparison. Importantly, by using industry-standard semiconductor manufacturing processes, mass manufacturability can be guaranteed. Following assay design and optimization, complete 5-loci profiles could be robustly generated on-chip that are on par with those obtained using conventional benchtop real-time PCR thermal cyclers. Together, our results are an important step towards the development of commercial, mass-produced, portable devices for on-site testing in forensic DNA analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senne Cornelis
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000, Gent, Belgium
- Department of Life Science Technologies, Imec, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Olivier Tytgat
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000, Gent, Belgium
- Department of Life Science Technologies, Imec, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maarten Fauvart
- Department of Life Science Technologies, Imec, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yannick Gansemans
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000, Gent, Belgium
| | | | | | - Dieter Deforce
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000, Gent, Belgium.
| | | | - Tim Stakenborg
- Department of Life Science Technologies, Imec, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
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10
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Lynch C, Fleming R. A review of direct polymerase chain reaction of DNA and RNA for forensic purposes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/wfs2.1335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Lynch
- Forensic Research and Development Team, Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd Auckland New Zealand
- School of Chemical Sciences University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Rachel Fleming
- Forensic Research and Development Team, Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd Auckland New Zealand
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11
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Morgan R, Illidge S, Wilson-Wilde L. Assessment of the potential investigative value of a decentralised rapid DNA workflow for reference DNA samples. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 294:140-149. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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12
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Dawnay N, Flamson R, Hall MJ, Steadman DW. Impact of sample degradation and inhibition on field-based DNA identification of human remains. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2018; 37:46-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2018.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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13
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Blackman S, Stafford-Allen B, Hanson EK, Panasiuk M, Brooker AL, Rendell P, Ballantyne J, Wells S. Developmental validation of the ParaDNA® Body Fluid ID System—A rapid multiplex mRNA-profiling system for the forensic identification of body fluids. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2018; 37:151-161. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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14
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Lipic SG, Giordullo LM, Fredericks JD. A novel FTA™ elute card collection method that improves direct DNA amplification from bloodstained concrete. Sci Justice 2018; 58:303-307. [PMID: 30193655 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Concrete is a common construction material found in residential and commercial buildings, bridges and parking lots that is a composite matrix containing aggregate held together with cement. The porous nature of concrete can make the collection and genotyping of biological fluids, such as blood, challenging. Forensic evidence can become embedded within the matrix, potentially reducing the amount of DNA available for analysis. In forensic science, "direct" amplification refers to a genotyping method that amplifies a DNA profile directly from a sample without DNA extraction, saving time and money. We investigated a novel application of Whatman™ FTA™ Elute cards in their ability to directly amplify PowerPlex® Fusion and Y23 profiles from minute amounts of blood that had been deposited on different concrete structures. In comparison to traditional collection methods, directly profiling blood stained construction materials using FTA™ Elute cards increased the percentage loci amplified and significantly improved both allele peak height and peak height ratio while reducing allelic drop-out. FTA™ Elute cards can provide a reliable, inexpensive and superior alternative to traditional methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen G Lipic
- Department of Chemistry, Eastern Kentucky University, 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475, United States.
| | - Lucille M Giordullo
- Department of Chemistry, Eastern Kentucky University, 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475, United States.
| | - Jamie D Fredericks
- Department of Chemistry, Eastern Kentucky University, 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475, United States.
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15
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Morrison J, Watts G, Hobbs G, Dawnay N. Field-based detection of biological samples for forensic analysis: Established techniques, novel tools, and future innovations. Forensic Sci Int 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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16
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Stafford-Allen B, Dawnay N, Hanson EK, Ball G, Gupta A, Blackman S, French DJ, Duxbury N, Ballantyne J, Wells S. Development of HyBeacon ® probes for specific mRNA detection using body fluids as a model system. Mol Cell Probes 2017; 38:51-59. [PMID: 29175285 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2017.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
HyBeacons are linear oligonucleotides which incorporate fluorescent dyes covalently linked to internal nucleotides. They have previously been used with PCR and isothermal amplification to interrogate SNPs and STRs in fields as diverse as clinical diagnostics, food authentication, and forensic DNA profiling. This work explores their use for the identification of expressed gene sequences through mRNA profiling. The use of mRNA is becoming increasingly common in forensic casework to identify body fluids on evidence items, as it offers higher specificity and fewer false positives than current chemical presumptive testing methods. The work presented here details the development of a single-step one-tube RT-PCR assay to detect the presence of body fluids of forensic interest (saliva, blood, seminal fluid, vaginal fluid and menstrual blood) using HyBeacon® probes and melt curve analysis. Each assay shows a high degree of specificity to the target body fluid mRNA suggesting there is no requirement to remove genomic DNA prior to analysis. Of the five assays developed, four were able to detect between 10 and 100 copies of target cDNA, the fifth 1000 copies of target. The results presented here demonstrate that such an approach can be optimised for non-expert users and further areas of work are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beccy Stafford-Allen
- Product Development Group, LGC Ltd, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, OX14 3ED, UK.
| | - Nick Dawnay
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Erin K Hanson
- National Center for Forensic Science, PO Box 162367, Orlando, FL, 32816-2367, USA
| | - Glyn Ball
- Product Development Group, LGC Ltd, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, OX14 3ED, UK
| | - Ambika Gupta
- Department of Pharmacy and Forensic Science, King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Stephen Blackman
- Product Development Group, LGC Ltd, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, OX14 3ED, UK
| | - David J French
- Product Development Group, LGC Ltd, Queens Road, Teddington, TW11 0LY, UK
| | - Nicola Duxbury
- Product Development Group, LGC Ltd, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, OX14 3ED, UK
| | - Jack Ballantyne
- National Center for Forensic Science, PO Box 162367, Orlando, FL, 32816-2367, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Central Florida, PO Box 162366, Orlando, FL, 32816-2366, USA
| | - Simon Wells
- Product Development Group, LGC Ltd, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, OX14 3ED, UK
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17
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Hird HJ, Brown MK. Design, optimisation and preliminary validation of a human specific loop-mediated amplification assay for the rapid detection of human DNA at forensic crime scenes. Sci Justice 2017; 57:409-414. [PMID: 29173453 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The identification of samples at a crime scene which require forensic DNA typing has been the focus of recent research interest. We propose a simple, but sensitive analysis system which can be deployed at a crime scene to identify crime scene stains as human or non-human. The proposed system uses the isothermal amplification of DNA in a rapid assay format, which returns results in as little as 30min from sampling. The assay system runs on the Genie II device, a proven in-field detection system which could be deployed at a crime scene. The results presented here demonstrate that the system was sufficiently specific and sensitive and was able to detect the presence of human blood, semen and saliva on mock forensic samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- H J Hird
- Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LZ, United Kingdom.
| | - M K Brown
- School of Science and Engineering, Teesside University, Borough Road, Middlesbrough TS1 3BA, United Kingdom
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18
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Wilson-Wilde L, Pitman F. Legislative and Policy Implications for the use of Rapid DNA Technology in the Australian Context. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/19409044.2017.1335809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Linzi Wilson-Wilde
- National Institute of Forensic Science, Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Fiona Pitman
- Office of the General Counsel, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Melbourne, Australia
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19
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Petralia S, Castagna ME, Motta D, Conoci S. Miniaturized Electrically Actuated Microfluidic System for Biosensor Applications. BIONANOSCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s12668-016-0204-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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20
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Objective data on DNA success rates can aid the selection process of crime samples for analysis by rapid mobile DNA technologies. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 264:28-33. [PMID: 27015156 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Mobile Rapid-DNA devices have recently become available on the market. These devices can perform DNA analyses within 90min with an easy 'sample in-answer out' system, with the option of performing comparisons with a DNA database or reference profile. However, these fast mobile systems cannot yet compete with the sensitivity of the standard laboratory analysis. For the future this implies that Scene of Crime Officers (SoCOs) need to decide on whether to analyse a crime sample with a Rapid-DNA device and to get results within 2h or to secure and analyse the sample at the laboratory with a much longer throughput time but with higher sensitivity. This study provides SoCOs with evidence-based information on DNA success rates, which can improve their decisions at the crime scene on whether or not to use a Rapid-DNA device. Crime samples with a high success rate in the laboratory will also have the highest potential for Rapid-DNA analysis. These include samples from e.g. headwear, cigarette ends, articles of clothing, bloodstains, and drinking items.
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21
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Dawnay N, Hughes R, Court DS, Duxbury N. Species detection using HyBeacon(®) probe technology: Working towards rapid onsite testing in non-human forensic and food authentication applications. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2015; 20:103-111. [PMID: 26561743 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2015.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Identifying individual species or determining species' composition in an unknown sample is important for a variety of forensic applications. Food authentication, monitoring illegal trade in endangered species, forensic entomology, sexual assault case work and counter terrorism are just some of the fields that can require the detection of the biological species present. Traditional laboratory based approaches employ a wide variety of tools and technologies and exploit a number of different species specific traits including morphology, molecular differences and immuno-chemical analyses. A large number of these approaches require laboratory based apparatus and results can take a number of days to be returned to investigating authorities. Having a presumptive test for rapid identification could lead to savings in terms of cost and time and allow sample prioritisation if confirmatory testing in a laboratory is required later. This model study describes the development of an assay using a single HyBeacon(®) probe and melt curve analyses allowing rapid screening and authentication of food products labelled as Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Exploiting melt curve detection of species specific SNP sites on the COI gene the test allows detection of a target species (Atlantic cod) and closely related species which may be used as substitutes. The assay has been designed for use with the Field Portable ParaDNA system, a molecular detection platform for non-expert users. The entire process from sampling to result takes approximately 75min. Validation studies were performed on both single source genomic DNA, mixed genomic DNA and commercial samples. Data suggests the assay has a lower limit of detection of 31 pg DNA. The specificity of the assay to Atlantic cod was measured by testing highly processed food samples including frozen, defrosted and cooked fish fillets as well as fish fingers, battered fish fillet and fish pie. Ninety-six (92.7%) of all Atlantic cod food products, tested, provided a correct single species result with the remaining samples erroneously identified as containing non-target species. The data shows that the assay was quick to design and characterise and is also capable of yielding results that would be beneficial in a variety of fields, not least the authentication of food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Dawnay
- Product Development Group, LGC Forensics, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon OX14 3ED, UK; School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK.
| | - Rebecca Hughes
- Department of Pharmacy and Forensic Science, King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Denise Syndercombe Court
- Department of Pharmacy and Forensic Science, King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Nicola Duxbury
- Product Development Group, LGC Forensics, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon OX14 3ED, UK
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22
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Romsos EL, Vallone PM. Rapid PCR of STR markers: Applications to human identification. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2015; 18:90-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2015.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Revised: 04/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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23
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Blackman S, Dawnay N, Ball G, Stafford-Allen B, Tribble N, Rendell P, Neary K, Hanson EK, Ballantyne J, Kallifatidis B, Mendel J, Mills DK, Wells S. Developmental validation of the ParaDNA ® Intelligence System—A novel approach to DNA profiling. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2015; 17:137-148. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2015.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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24
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French DJ, Richardson JA, Howard RL, Brown T, Debenham PG. Synthesis and use of universal sequence probes in fluorogenic multi-strand hybridisation complexes for economical nucleic acid testing. Mol Cell Probes 2015; 29:228-36. [PMID: 25981184 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of nucleic acid amplification products has become the gold standard for applications such as pathogen detection and characterisation of single nucleotide polymorphisms and short tandem repeat sequences. The development of real-time PCR and melting curve analysis using fluorescent probes has simplified nucleic acid analyses. However, the cost of probe synthesis can be prohibitive when developing large panels of tests. We describe an economic two-stage method for probe synthesis, and a new method for nucleic acid sequence analysis which together considerably reduce costs. The analysis method utilises three-strand and four-strand hybridisation complexes for the detection and identification of nucleic acid target sequences by real-time PCR and fluorescence melting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James A Richardson
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | | | - Tom Brown
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Rd, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
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25
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Concordance study between the ParaDNA ® Intelligence Test, a Rapid DNA profiling assay, and a conventional STR typing kit (AmpFlSTR ® SGM Plus ® ). Forensic Sci Int Genet 2015; 16:48-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2014.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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26
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Donachie GE, Dawnay N, Ahmed R, Naif S, Duxbury NJ, Tribble ND. Assessing the impact of common forensic presumptive tests on the ability to obtain results using a novel rapid DNA platform. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2015; 17:87-90. [PMID: 25864157 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The rise of DNA evidence to the forefront of forensic science has led to high sample numbers being submitted for profiling by investigators to casework laboratories: bottleneck effects are often seen resulting in slow turnaround times and sample backlog. The ParaDNA(®) Screening and Intelligence Tests have been designed to guide investigators on the viability of potential sources of DNA allowing them to determine which samples should be sent for full DNA analysis. Both tests are designed to augment the arsenal of available forensic tests for end users and be used concurrently to those commonly available. Therefore, assessing the impact that common forensic tests have on such novel technology is important to measure. The systems were tested against various potential inhibitors to which samples may be exposed as part of the investigative process. Presumptive test agents for biological materials (blood, semen and saliva) and those used as fingerprint enhancement agents were both used. The Screening Test showed a drop in performance following application of aluminium powder and cyanoacrylate (CNA) on fingerprints samples; however this drop in performance was not replicated with high template DNA. No significant effect was observed for any agent using the Intelligence Test. Therefore, both tests stand up well to the chemical agents applied and can be used by investigators with confidence that system performance will be maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian E Donachie
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Strathclyde, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Royal College Building, Glasgow G1 1XW, UK
| | - Nick Dawnay
- LGC, F5Culham Science Centre, Abingdon OX14 3ED, UK.
| | - Romana Ahmed
- LGC, F5Culham Science Centre, Abingdon OX14 3ED, UK
| | - Sarah Naif
- LGC, F5Culham Science Centre, Abingdon OX14 3ED, UK
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27
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Tribble ND, Miller JA, Dawnay N, Duxbury NJ. Applicability of the ParaDNA®Screening System to Seminal Samples. J Forensic Sci 2015; 60:690-2. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Revised: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jamie A.D. Miller
- School of Biomedical Sciences; King's College London; Franklin-Wilkins Building Stamford Street London SE1 8WA U.K
| | - Nick Dawnay
- LGC Forensics; Culham Science Centre; Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 3ED U.K
| | - Nicola J. Duxbury
- LGC Forensics; Culham Science Centre; Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 3ED U.K
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28
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Pomeroy RS, Balamurugan K, Wong H, Duncan G. High-resolution melt analysis of the minisatellite D1S80: A potential forensic screening tool. Electrophoresis 2014; 35:3020-7. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201400143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert S. Pomeroy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; University of California; San Diego CA USA
| | | | - Helena Wong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; University of California; San Diego CA USA
| | - George Duncan
- Oceanographic Institute; Nova Southeastern University; Fort Lauderdale FL USA
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29
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Gray K, Crowle D, Scott P. Direct amplification of casework bloodstains using the Promega PowerPlex(®) 21 PCR amplification system. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2014; 12:86-92. [PMID: 24905337 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2014.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2013] [Revised: 03/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
A significant number of evidence items submitted to Forensic Science Service Tasmania (FSST) are blood swabs or bloodstained items. Samples from these items routinely undergo phenol:chloroform:isoamyl alcohol organic extraction and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) testing prior to PowerPlex(®) 21 amplification. This multi-step process has significant cost and timeframe implications in a fiscal climate of tightening government budgets, pressure towards improved operating efficiencies, and an increasing emphasis on rapid techniques better supporting intelligence-led policing. Direct amplification of blood and buccal cells on cloth and Whatman FTA™ card with PowerPlex(®) 21 has already been successfully implemented for reference samples, eliminating the requirement for sample pre-treatment. Scope for expanding this method to include less pristine casework blood swabs and samples from bloodstained items was explored in an endeavour to eliminate lengthy DNA extraction, purification and qPCR steps for a wider subset of samples. Blood was deposited onto a range of substrates including those historically found to inhibit STR amplification. Samples were collected with micro-punch, micro-swab, or both. The potential for further fiscal savings via reduced volume amplifications was assessed by amplifying all samples at full and reduced volume (25 and 13μL). Overall success rate data showed 80% of samples yielded a complete profile at reduced volume, compared to 78% at full volume. Particularly high success rates were observed for the blood on fabric/textile category with 100% of micro-punch samples yielding complete profiles at reduced volume and 85% at full volume. Following the success of this trial, direct amplification of suitable casework blood samples has been implemented at reduced volume. Significant benefits have been experienced, most noticeably where results from crucial items have been provided to police investigators prior to interview of suspects, and a coronial identification has been successfully completed in a short timeframe to avoid delay in the release of human remains to family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerryn Gray
- Forensic Science Service Tasmania, 20 St. Johns Avenue, New Town, Tasmania 7008, Australia.
| | - Damian Crowle
- Forensic Science Service Tasmania, 20 St. Johns Avenue, New Town, Tasmania 7008, Australia
| | - Pam Scott
- Forensic Science Service Tasmania, 20 St. Johns Avenue, New Town, Tasmania 7008, Australia
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