An integratable microfluidic cartridge for forensic swab samples lysis

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Microfluidics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Fully automated rapid forensic DNA analysis requires integrating multiple steps onto a microfluidic platform.
• Existing rapid DNA systems often use off-chip lysis, lacking characterization of integrated lysis modules.
• Efficient collection and recovery of biological material from crime scene swabs are critical for DNA analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, fabricate, and characterize an integratable microfluidic swab lysis cartridge module.
• To evaluate the module's performance with common forensic swab samples and downstream DNA extraction chemistries.
• To demonstrate the integration of the lysis module into a rapid DNA analysis system for 'swab-in to answer-out' capability.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of a microfluidic swab lysis cartridge.
• Testing the lysis module with buccal, saliva, and blood swab samples.
• Characterization of lysis efficiency and compatibility with downstream DNA extraction methods.
• Integration and demonstration of the lysis module in a complete rapid DNA analysis workflow.

Main Results:

• The swab lysis cartridge module demonstrated efficient lysis comparable to routine benchtop methods.
• The module showed compatibility with various forensic swab types (buccal, saliva, blood) and DNA extraction chemistries.
• Successful integration of the lysis module into a prototype rapid DNA analysis system was achieved, enabling end-to-end processing.

Conclusions:

• The developed microfluidic swab lysis module is a functional and compatible component for rapid forensic DNA analysis.
• The module facilitates integration into micro total analysis systems (μTAS) for streamlined, automated DNA profiling.
• This advancement supports faster and more efficient DNA analysis directly from crime scene samples.