Sperm Capture Using Aptamer Based Technology

This project will explore the use of aptamers to achieve separation and isolation of spermatozoa prior to DNA extraction. Aptamers are single-stranded nucleic-acid molecules with the molecular recognition properties of antibodies, although often with even higher specificity. In collaboration with SomaLogic Inc., the Denver Police Department Crime Laboratory Bureau proposes to develop an improved method to specifically capture spermatozoa from mixed sexual assault evidence and allow for the amplification of separated male DNA as well as DNA from the recovered non-sperm cell fraction.

ca/ncf