Forensische "Low-volume"-Analysen auf einer zentrifugalen mikrofluidischen Reaktionsplattform

• Applicant: Privatdozentin Dr. Ulrike Schmidt
• Subject Area: Pathology
• Term: from 2010 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 186800223

The proposal aims at the realization of a forensic (screening) assay for common European Mammals on a centrifugal microfluidic reaction platform. During the preceding project, an adequate technical system was developed (LabDisk). Compared to in-tube reactions, the LabDisk shows at least comparable (or higher) sensitivity and an improved signal-to-noise-ratio. The automation of the assay allows for accelerated processing time by reduction of manual handling steps and of the accompanying potential for contamination. Currently, the assay covers 31 species in 12 screening groups. Based on the results of the previous proposal, sample preparation will be integrated into the LabDisk. In this way, a complete and fully automated processing of the assay - including all steps necessary from sample preparation to detection - will be achieved. Implementation of High Resolution DNA Melting (HRM), which has been characterized for in-tube reactions in our preceeding studies, will highly increase the information derived from the screening assay. Like this, a determination of the species will be achieved in spite of DNA amplification with family-specific screening primers, at least for some of the screening groups like Mustelidae and Cervidae.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants