µForensiCell: Development and validation of a microfluidic device for single cell sorting in forensic casework

The low efficiency of current DNA extraction procedures and the deconvolution of complex DNA profiles required after bulk sequencing, remain major challenges for forensic DNA laboratories and has significant impact on the ability to include or exclude a suspect as a donor. We have recently demonstrated that fluorescence-activated cell sorting has significant potential to increase the sensitivity of forensic DNA analysis. This project aims to build further on these advancements by (1) designing and developing a cell preselection microfluidic device for application in two of the most common samples in forensic investigations (i.e., post-coital swabs and trace contact samples) and (2) validation and accreditation of this new analytical protocol in an ISO17025 accredited laboratory. Miniaturising the process of cell preselection will reduce (1) sample loss, (2) the number of cells required for analysis, (3) cost, (4) turn-around-time and most importantly (5) increase the sensitivity to detect target cells relevant for the investigation. The µForensiCell project will therefore provide an innovative solution for the analysis of the rapidly increasing number of reported sexual crimes associated with the establishment of Sexual Assault Reference Centres.

Keywords:Microfluidics, Single cell analysis, Forensic, DNA analysis

Disciplines:Microfluidics/flow chemistry, Clinical chemistry, Molecular diagnostics, Forensic biology, Genetics