Microchip Analyzer for Forensic Short Tandem Repeat Typing of Single Cells

This project will develop devices and methods for single-cell forensic short tandem repeat (STR) typing using a microfabricated single-cell genetic analyzer (SCGA) that integrates single-cell capture, nanoliter-volume PCR amplification, integrated quantitative post-PCR sample cleanup, inline injection and capillary electrophoresis (CE) separation. Further evaluation of this microsystem for forensic mixture and low-copy-number DNA analysis will be performed by typing non-probative samples. Finally, this new method will be critically tested and disseminated with the help of operational crime laboratories.

ca/ncf