The overarching goal of this project was to develop and validate a multiplexed, paper-based chemiresistive biosensorsystem for the rapid, selective, and on-site identification of multiple body fluids in crime scenes. Existing methods for body fluid identification are often time-consuming, costly, and confined to laboratory settings. This work addresses those limitations by introducing a low-cost, portable sensing platform capable of detecting protein biomarkers associated with blood, semen, saliva, urine, and sweat.
The system is built around a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)-based bio-ink, which integrates the transducer (SWNT) and biorecognition element (antibody) for label-free electrical detection of biomarkers or analytes. The sensor response is recorded as a change in electrical resistance upon target binding (antigen-antibody reaction), allowing quantitative identification in minutes. The project progressed through four structured aims: developing lateral flow paper-based nanobiosensors for individual detection of each body fluid (Aim 1); demonstrating multiplexed detection using purified antigens (Aim 2); validating performance with artificial media and real biological samples (Aim 3); and exploring wireless integration for future field deployment (Aim 4).
The platform demonstrated high sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility, with minimal cross-reactivity across a range of test conditions. Its paper-based construction and use of water-based inks make it cost-effective, environmental-friendly, and well-suited for point-of-use forensic applications. Overall, the project represents a significant advancement towards accessible, on-site forensic body fluid identification with potential applications in broader point-of-care diagnostics and environmental monitoring.
(Author abstract provided.)
Downloads
Similar Publications
- Technical Note: A novel method for simultaneous recovery of DNA, RNA, and proteins from trace biological samples for forensic application
- Assessing Methods to Enhance and Preserve Proteinaceous Impressions from the Skin of Decedents during the Early Stages of Decomposition
- A Black Box Study of the Accuracy and Reproducibility of Tire Evidence Examiners’ Conclusions