Microfabricated Capillary Array Electrophoresis Genetic Analyzers for Forensic Short Tanden Repeat DNA Profiling

This project will develop microfabricated capillary array electrophoresis (µCAE) instruments and methods that integrate sample amplification, product clean-up and multiplex STR electrophoretic analysis of up to 96 samples on a single-wafer system. The development and initial evaluation will be performed at the Department of Chemistry at UC Berkeley in collaboration with the Virginia Division of Forensic Science (VADFS) and the Palm Beach Sheriff Office (PBSO). Once developed, µCAE instruments will be placed at VADFS for evaluation by VADFS and PBSO personnel. These systems together with advanced reagent and fluorescent labeling methods will be valuable for forensic STR analysis because the fully integrated microfluidic process will improve analysis sensitivity and reliability, eliminate operator variability, reduce sample contamination and tracking issues, reduce analysis cost, and make modern STR analysis available to a wider range of forensic laboratories.

ca/ncf