Enhancing Low-Level DNA Information from Trace Cellular Deposits: Strategies to Address Recovery, Interpretation and Implementation Challenges in Operational Forensic Laboratories

Start year: 2025

Summary: The aim of this project is to investigate various amplification and post-amplification techniques, or combinations thereof, for increased allelic detection of PowerPlex®21 DNA profiles generated on the 3500xL Genetic Analyser from low input DNA samples. In addition, the prevalence of stochastic variation in amplification as far as heterozygote imbalance, allelic and locus drop out, allelic drop in and stutter ratios associated with each technique will be assessed for impacts on DNA profile interpretation, ultimately informing the reliability and reproducibility of each technique in forensic casework. The outcome of this study will inform workflow options for DNA profile enhancement given specifc sample characteristics in routine casework. In order to alleviate the inevitable increase in detection of contaminants as a result of increased DNA profiling sensitivity, an evaluation of various decontamination solutions and protocols will be also performed. Suitability of the use of such solutions and protocols will be determined across a range of laboratory equipment and consumables to inform best practice in contamination minimisation in a forensic DNA laboratory setting. Ultimately, this project looks to derive industry specific recommendations on the validation and reporting requirements for enhanced DNA profiling techniques and the minimum requirements for decontamination protocols to be implemented by operational forensic laboratories adopting such increased sensivity capabilities.

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.