Developmental validation of the PowerPlex® ESX 16 and PowerPlex® ESX 17 Systems

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• New short tandem repeat (STR) multiplexes are needed for European forensic DNA profiling.
• Promega developed the PowerPlex® ESX 16 and ESX 17 Systems in response to this need.
• These systems expand upon existing UK National DNA Database compatible loci.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform developmental validation of the PowerPlex® ESX 16 and ESX 17 DNA profiling kits.
• To assess the performance of these kits according to SWGDAM and DAB guidelines.
• To evaluate the kits' suitability for forensic DNA analysis in Europe.

Main Methods:

• Developmental validation following SWGDAM and DAB guidelines.
• Testing included DNA mixtures, inhibitor challenges, and sensitivity studies.
• Concordance testing with the AmpFlSTR® SGM Plus® kit using UK samples.

Main Results:

• Both systems demonstrated robustness and sensitivity, with full profiles obtained at 62.5 pg DNA.
• Minor contributor alleles in mixtures were detected effectively.
• The systems showed high tolerance to laboratory-prepared inhibitors.

Conclusions:

• The PowerPlex® ESX 16 and ESX 17 Systems are reliable and sensitive tools for forensic DNA analysis.
• The improved chemistry and smaller amplicons enhance data recovery from degraded samples.
• These kits meet the requirements for new STR multiplexes for European forensic applications.