Projects

The aim of the “Forensic Low Volume Analyses” project is the rapid analysis of biological samples directly at the scene of an incident. In particular a fast and semi-automated allocation of the sample to a species is aimed for. In a first application, the system is adapted to the determination of forensically relevant species. The focus is on regional game, live stock, domestic and small animals as well as differentiating it from biological material of human origin. The fully integrated analysis is carried out on a centrifugal microfluidic reaction platform. This lab-on-a-chip system serves as a highly sensitive, integrated and robust amplification and detection system for forensic DNA analysis. To achieve this, PCR-based analysis methods - the basis of modern forensic stain analysis - in reduced reaction volumes are used. The low-volume technique leads to an increase in sensitivity. Thereby the lab-on-a-chip system provides a simultaneous, sensitive and contamination-free analysis. Applications in food analysis are possible, as there is a problem of DNA degradation comparable to forensic science.