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BIO-INSPIRED MAGNETIC BEADS FOR ISOLATION OF SPERM FROM HETEROGENOUS SAMPLES IN FORENSIC APPLICATIONS
Forensic Science International: Genetics
  • Fatih Inci, Stanford University
  • Merve Goksin Karaaslan, Stanford University
  • Rakhi Gupta, Stanford University
  • Anirudh Avadhani, Stanford University
  • Mehmet Giray Ogut, Stanford University
  • Ekin Erin Atila, Stanford University
  • George Duncan, Nova Southeastern University
  • Leonard Klevan, DxNow Inc.
  • Utkan Demirci, Stanford University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2021
Keywords
  • Sialyl-LewisX,
  • Magnetic beads,
  • Bio-inspired material,
  • Cell separation,
  • Forensics
Disciplines
Abstract

Rapid and efficient processing of sexual assault evidence will accelerate forensic investigation and decrease casework backlogs. The standardized protocols currently used in forensic laboratories require the continued innovation to handle the increasing number and complexity of samples being submitted to forensic labs. Here, we present a new technique leveraging the integration of a bio-inspired oligosaccharide ( i.e., Sialyl‐Lewis X ) with magnetic beads that provides a rapid, inexpensive, and easy-to-use strategy that can potentially be adapted with current differential extraction practice in forensics labs. This platform (i) selectively captures sperm; (ii) is sensitive within the forensic cut-off; (iii) provides a cost effective solution that can be automated with existing laboratory platforms; and (iv) handles small volumes of sample (∼200 μL). This strategy can rapidly isolate sperm within 25 minutes of total processing that will prepare the extracted sample for downstream forensic analysis and ultimately help accelerate forensic investigation and reduce casework backlogs.

Comments

This work was supported by the National Institute of Justice ( 2019-NE-BX-0003 and 2020-NE-BX-0004 ), United States. We would like to thank The Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) for providing financial support for supporting M.G.K. (2219-International Postdoctoral research fellowship program) during her visit at the BAMM Lab.

ORCID ID
0000-0002-4931-5316
DOI
10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102451
Citation Information
Fatih Inci, Merve Goksin Karaaslan, Rakhi Gupta, Anirudh Avadhani, et al.. "BIO-INSPIRED MAGNETIC BEADS FOR ISOLATION OF SPERM FROM HETEROGENOUS SAMPLES IN FORENSIC APPLICATIONS" Forensic Science International: Genetics Vol. 52 (2021) p. 102451 ISSN: 1872-4973
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/george-duncan/35/