Forensic application of organ-specific antigens

Area of Science:

• Forensic science
• Biochemistry
• Immunology

Background:

• Organ-specific antigens are crucial biomarkers in forensic investigations.
• Sensitive detection methods are needed for accurate analysis of biological evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop highly sensitive sandwich enzyme immunoassays for forensic applications.
• To detect liver-specific antigen (LSA), sucrase-isomaltase, cardiac troponin I, and prostate-specific antigen (gamma-seminoprotein, gamma-sm).
• To enable differentiation of organ sources and sex discrimination in forensic samples.

Main Methods:

• Development of sandwich enzyme immunoassays.
• Detection of specific antigens in forensic materials.
• Quantification of gamma-seminoprotein (gamma-sm) in relation to hemoglobin.

Main Results:

• High levels of LSA, sucrase-isomaltase, and cardiac troponin I were detected in forensic samples.
• Successful differentiation between samples from different stabbed organs.
• Significantly higher ratio of gamma-sm to hemoglobin in male adults compared to females, enabling sex discrimination.

Conclusions:

• Sandwich enzyme immunoassays are effective tools for forensic analysis.
• These assays can identify organ-specific antigens and aid in sex determination.
• The developed methods enhance the capabilities of forensic practice.