BIO-INSPIRED MAGNETIC BEADS FOR ISOLATION OF SPERM FROM HETEROGENOUS SAMPLES IN FORENSIC APPLICATIONS. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Inci, Fatih; Karaaslan, Merve Goksin; Gupta, Rakhi; Avadhani, Anirudh; Ogut, Mehmet Giray; Atila, Ekin Erin; Duncan, George; Klevan, Leonard; Demirci, Utkan
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 52(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Sialyl-LewisX -- Magnetic beads -- Bio-inspired material -- Cell separation -- Forensics; Forensic genetics -- Periodicals; Génétique légale -- Périodiques; Forensic genetics; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102451
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1872-4973

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: This work combines magnetic beads with a bioinspired material for sperm isolation. It shows rapid, automatable, and easily-integratable option to forensic methods. It shows high yield of sperm capture and high reduction in epithelial fraction. This work potentially accelerates downstream genomic techniques. It also potentially standardizes differential extraction methods in the field. 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.