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DxNow - Model NGDE -Next-Generation Differential Extraction
Processing of sexual assault evidence generally requires separation of the victim’s cells (epithelial) from the perpetrator’s cells (sperm) and involves time-consuming steps of selective cell lysis, centrifugation and separation into female and male DNA fractions. To address the challenge of automating and scaling-up this process, DxNow has developed a novel microfluidic system for isolation and quantitation of sperms from forensic evidence.
One exciting aspect of this work is the novel approach we use for sperm capture. Recent investigations have demonstrated that a unique oligosaccharide located on the extracellular matrix of the oocyte represents a ligand for human sperm-egg binding. At DxNow, we will commercialize a disposable microfluidic-based cartridge that can capture sperm cells using this oligosaccharide sequence. Microfluidic-based technologies hold a crucial potential by integrating multiple steps on a single device, improving the scaling capacity, integrating many detection platforms, minimizing reagent consumption and reducing the need for skilled personnel.
With the NGDE system, the forensic differential extraction process will be reduced to under 1 hour and will only require approximately 15 minutes of technician time. Adoption of CSI-Q will enable significant reductions in casework backlogs and more timely processing of new cases.