Pre-registration Required

Monday, July 21, 2008       Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

#1 Microfluidics: Advancing Forensic DNA Analysis

Faculty

Joan M. Bienvenue, BS, MS, PhD Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory 1413 Research Boulevard Rockville, MD 20850

James P. Landers, BS, PhD University of Virginia, Department of Chemistry McCormick Road Charlottesville, VA 22904

The development of bioanalytical microdevices for genetic analysis has reached a point where the “lab-on-a-chip” (LOC) or micro-total analysis system (mTAS) concept set forth almost 20 years ago is now rapidly becoming a reality. This microfluidic technology stands to revolutionize the way forensic DNA analysis is accomplished, incorporating sample preparation steps such as cell sorting, DNA purification, and PCR amplification, with microchip electrophoresis in multi-purpose, multi-functional devices capable of total, rapid, and automated genotyping.

A fully-integrated, microchip capable of performing the steps normally carried out at the bench would not only reduce the time required to perform these tasks, but would also eliminate user intervention and potential sources of contamination, preserving more of the sample for future analysis. Optimization of these devices for forensic analyses, however, presents a distinctive set of challenges.

Due to the multi-step nature of the forensic DNA analysis process, careful consideration must be given to solution compatibility, sample size, and fluidic interfacing in order to seamlessly integrate these technologies. As the field stands on the cusp of the commercialization of microfluidic systems, the forensic community is provided with the unique opportunity to drive the final design of what promises to be a revolutionary change to the way these analyses are carried out.

This workshop will provide the attendee with a comprehensive overview of the current state of development of microfluidics for forensic DNA analysis, a foundation for understanding the principles of microfluidics and how current DNA processing methodologies are being translated to the microscale.

Additionally, the role of microfluidic systems and practical considerations for their application in forensics labs and in portable genetic analysis systems will be discussed. The attendee will also gain an appreciation of this new technology, its limitations, and the unlimited potential of its application and use in the forensic laboratory. Finally, a view of the future of advanced microscale analytical systems their potential design and use will be presented.