Microfabricated Capillary Array Electrophoresis Genetic Analysis for Forensic Short Tandem Repeat DNA Profiling

The University of California previously developed a miniaturized capillary electrophoresis device capable of performing DNA analysis on up to 96 samples simultaneously. The prototype of the microdevice has been tested and evaluated by crime lab analysts in both Virginia and Florida. The goal of the current work is to develop an integrated device that will include DNA isolation, DNA quantitation, PCR amplification, and DNA analysis. The researchers will continue to collaborate with the crime laboratories to optimize this system through sensitivity studies, mixture analysis and non-probative real-world samples. Additionally, there will be continued development of highly sensitive forensic DNA assays using energy transfer technology.

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