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Hudson BC, Dawson Green T. Modified differential lysis for sexual assault samples using a combined enzymatic and alkaline approach. Forensic Sci Res 2024; 9:owae022. [PMID: 38831792 PMCID: PMC11146638 DOI: 10.1093/fsr/owae022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Sexual assault sample processing, despite recent funding and research efforts, remains time-consuming, labourious, and inefficient. These limitations, combined with the prevalence of sexual assaults, have prompted the need to develop a cheaper, quicker, and more robust method for separating victim and perpetrator contributions within sexual assault evidence so that analysts can keep pace with submissions and cases can be resolved in a timely manner. Thus, this study examined the use of a combined enzymatic and alkaline approach for differential cell lysis-with the goal of developing a quick, cheap, and more efficient DNA isolation method. Quantification results for this assay revealed that (72.0 ± 18.3)%, (15.8 ± 14.2)%, and (29.5 ± 23.7)% of total DNA were retained in sperm fractions for neat semen, neat vaginal, and semen-vaginal mixture eluates, respectively. Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis of mixture samples processed with this technique exhibited sperm fraction DNA profiles with mean male-to-female ratios of 1.74:1, which was a 3.01 ± 2.30-fold improvement in male-to-female ratios and led to the recovery of 5.90 ± 7.80 unshared male contributor alleles in sperm fractions that were otherwise undetected in unseparated controls. Overall, this study presented a modified differential lysis approach using prepGEM™ and sodium hydroxide treatments that can accomplish cell elution and fractional lysis within 25 min. Future studies should investigate alternative "non-sperm" cell lysis methods to enhance lysis efficiency and minimize the potential for inhibition, as well as the optimization and automation of this technique. Key points Traditional sexual assault sample processing methods are time-consuming and inefficient.This modified differential lysis method produces lysates with sufficient DNA yield and quality.A combined technique using enzymatic and alkaline lysis can accomplish fractional separation.Lysis with prepGEM and NaOH absent purification is compatible with downstream processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany C Hudson
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Integrative Life Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Tracey Dawson Green
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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C Zapico S, Matos S, Conte J. Assessment of the efficiency of DNA isolation and profiling applying a temperature-driven method in human remains. Electrophoresis 2024; 45:805-813. [PMID: 38247192 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The identification of human remains is of utmost importance in a variety of scenarios. One of the primary identification methods is DNA. DNA extraction from human remains could be difficult, particularly in situations where the remains have been exposed to environmental conditions and other insults. Several studies tried to improve extraction by applying different approaches. ForensicGEM Universal (MicroGem) is a single-tube approach to DNA extraction and a temperature-driven method that could have some advantages with respect to previous techniques, among them, reducing the risk of contamination, not requiring specialized equipment, or several steps to perform. The aim of this study was to assess, for the first time, the efficiency of DNA extraction and quality of STR profiles applying the MicroGem protocol and modifications of this protocol from tooth samples in comparison with automatic extraction (AE). Our results indicated that AE and MicroGem performed similar, though with variability depending on the MicroGem modifications, increasing the DNA yield and STR profile quality when DNA is concentrated with Microcon. These findings demonstrated the efficiency of this methodology for DNA extraction from human remains while also providing a simple and quick technique suitable to apply in a variety of forensic scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara C Zapico
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, USA
- National Museum of Natural History, Anthropology Department and Laboratories of Analytical Biology, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Shayla Matos
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jillian Conte
- Conte Forensic Consulting, LLC, Peckville, Pennsylvania, USA
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Zapico SC, Roca G. Making the Most of Lateral Flow Immunochromatographic Tests: An Efficient Protocol to Recover DNA. Methods Protoc 2024; 7:8. [PMID: 38251201 PMCID: PMC10801598 DOI: 10.3390/mps7010008] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Lateral flow immunochromatographic (LFI) tests are widely used in both biomedical and forensic sciences for different applications. In forensic sciences, their main use is to detect body fluids at crime scenes. However, there are situations in which the amount of potential biological evidence is so low that DNA extraction is favored with respect to the identification of body fluids. Here, an efficient and quick protocol is presented to integrate the detection of body fluids through LFI with DNA extraction from a sample swab and buffer, providing a complete characterization of the biological evidence. This protocol is a modification of a general DNA extraction silica-based kit, whose main application is for blood and tissues. Thus, it could be carried out in different settings (forensic labs, hospitals, other testing labs) without the necessity of buying a specific kit for swabs. The validation of this protocol is supported by the results presented here and previous publications from our group, obtaining DNA in good quantity and with good quality. This proves the potential application of the protocol in both forensic scenarios, to fully characterize biological evidence, and biomedical settings, to molecularly confirm the results of LFI tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara C. Zapico
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
- Anthropology Department and Laboratories of Analytical Biology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA
| | - Gabriela Roca
- SERATEC Gesellschaft für Biotechnologie mbH, 37079 Göttingen, Germany;
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Wang Y, Wang C, Zhou Z, Si J, Li S, Zeng Y, Deng Y, Chen Z. Advances in Simple, Rapid, and Contamination-Free Instantaneous Nucleic Acid Devices for Pathogen Detection. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:732. [PMID: 37504131 PMCID: PMC10377012 DOI: 10.3390/bios13070732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic pathogens invade the human body through various pathways, causing damage to host cells, tissues, and their functions, ultimately leading to the development of diseases and posing a threat to human health. The rapid and accurate detection of pathogenic pathogens in humans is crucial and pressing. Nucleic acid detection offers advantages such as higher sensitivity, accuracy, and specificity compared to antibody and antigen detection methods. However, conventional nucleic acid testing is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and requires sophisticated equipment and specialized medical personnel. Therefore, this review focuses on advanced nucleic acid testing systems that aim to address the issues of testing time, portability, degree of automation, and cross-contamination. These systems include extraction-free rapid nucleic acid testing, fully automated extraction, amplification, and detection, as well as fully enclosed testing and commercial nucleic acid testing equipment. Additionally, the biochemical methods used for extraction, amplification, and detection in nucleic acid testing are briefly described. We hope that this review will inspire further research and the development of more suitable extraction-free reagents and fully automated testing devices for rapid, point-of-care diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China
| | - Chengming Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Affiliated Zhuzhou Hospital Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Zhuzhou 412000, China
| | - Zepeng Zhou
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China
| | - Jiajia Si
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China
| | - Song Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China
| | - Yezhan Zeng
- School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China
| | - Yan Deng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China
| | - Zhu Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China
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Bruijns B, Tiggelaar R, Knotter J, van Dam A. Use of Lateral Flow Assays in Forensics. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:6201. [PMID: 37448049 DOI: 10.3390/s23136201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Already for some decades lateral flow assays (LFAs) are 'common use' devices in our daily life. Also, for forensic use LFAs are developed, such as for the analysis of illicit drugs and DNA, but also for the detection of explosives and body fluid identification. Despite their advantages, including ease-of-use, LFAs are not yet frequently applied at a crime scene. This review describes (academic) developments of LFAs for forensic applications, focusing on biological and chemical applications, whereby the main advantages and disadvantages of LFAs for the different forensic applications are summarized. Additionally, a critical review is provided, discussing why LFAs are not frequently applied within the forensic field and highlighting the steps that are needed to bring LFAs to the forensic market.
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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
- Police Academy, Arnhemseweg 348, 7334 AC Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
| | - Roald Tiggelaar
- NanoLab Cleanroom, MESA+ Institute, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Knotter
- Technologies for Criminal Investigations, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, M.H. Tromplaan 28, 7513 AB Enschede, The Netherlands
- Police Academy, Arnhemseweg 348, 7334 AC Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke van Dam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Physics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Forensic Science, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Tafelbergweg 51, 1105 BD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Methodology Research Program, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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C. Zapico S, Dytso A, Rubio L, Roca G. The Perfect Match: Assessment of Sample Collection Efficiency for Immunological and Molecular Findings in Different Types of Fabrics. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810686. [PMID: 36142599 PMCID: PMC9502974 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Body fluid identification at crime scenes can be crucial in retrieving the appropriate evidence that leads to the perpetrator and, in some cases, the victim. For this purpose, immunochromatographic tests are simple, fast and suitable for crime scenes. The potential sample is retrieved with a swab, normally a cotton swab, moistened in a specific buffer. Nonetheless, there are other swab types available, which have been proven to be efficient for DNA isolation and analysis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of different swab types for body fluid identification as well as DNA isolation and characterization. Fifty microliters of human saliva were deposited in three different types of fabric (denim, cotton, and polyester). After 24 h at room temperature, samples were recovered by applying three different swab types, and the tests were performed. Subsequently, total DNA was recovered from the sample buffer. Cotton swabs performed worse in denim and cotton fabrics in both immunochromatography tests and DNA yield. No differences were observed for polyester. In contrast, and except for two replicates, it was possible to obtain a full DNA profile per fabric and swab type, and to identify the mtDNA haplogroup. In this paper, the impact of swab types on body fluid identification through the application of immunochromatographic tests is analyzed for the first time. This work corroborates previous research related to the influence of swab types in nuclear DNA isolation and characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara C. Zapico
- New Jersey Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, 161 Warren Street, Tiernan Hall, 365, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
- Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Anthropology Department, 10th and Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
- Correspondence: or
| | - Alex Dytso
- New Jersey Institute of Technology, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Leticia Rubio
- Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, 161 Warren Street, Tiernan Hall, 365, Newark, NJ 07102, USA or
- Department of Human Anatomy and Legal Medicine, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Gabriela Roca
- SERATEC®, Gesellschaft für Biotechnologie mbH, Ernst-Ruhstrat-Strasse 5, 37079 Göttingen, Germany
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