Microdevice DNA forensics by the simple tandem repeat method.

We review recent experiments on DNA forensics by the simple tandem repeat (STR) method using a 16-lane micromachined device as the active separation element. Separations by linear polyacrylamide matrices show very high data quality metrics when evaluated with statistically significant data sets. Full 16-locus multiplexes are verified on the multilane system.

Total serum protein N-glycome profiling on a capillary electrophoresis-microfluidics platform.

We implemented 8-aminopyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid (APTS)-labeled asparagine-linked glycan (N-glycan) profiling on a microfluidic electrophoresis platform. Using 11.5 cm effective length etched channels and 4% linear polyacrylamide as the separation matrix, the major N-glycans in human serum were profiled in 12 min with a resolution comparable to what is achieved for these analytes on gel-based DNA sequencers.

A high-performance multilane microdevice system designed for the DNA forensics laboratory.

We report preliminary testing of "GeneTrack", an instrument designed for the specific application of multiplexed short tandem repeat (STR) DNA analysis. The system supports a glass microdevice with 16 lanes of 20 cm effective length and double-T cross injectors. A high-speed galvanometer-scanned four-color detector was specially designed to accommodate the high elution rates on the microdevice.

Reconstruction of functionally normal and malignant human breast tissues in mice.

The study of normal breast epithelial morphogenesis and carcinogenesis in vivo has largely used rodent models. Efforts at studying mammary morphogenesis and cancer with xenotransplanted human epithelial cells have failed to recapitulate the full extent of development seen in the human breast. We have developed an orthotopic xenograft model in which both the stromal and epithelial components of the reconstructed mammary gland are of human origin.

Trends in DNA forensic analysis.

The paper gives a historical perspective of forensic DNA analysis and overviews existing technologies implemented in forensic laboratories for DNA profiling. Short tandem repeat analysis, mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome analysis are described. The review also focuses on emerging new technologies, which represent an interest for the DNA forensic community.

High-speed analysis of multiplexed short tandem repeats with an electrophoretic microdevice.

We report the development of a robust and effective method for multiplexed short tandem repeat (STR) analysis within a chip-based microdevice. The method uses a laser-induced fluorescence detection system and simultaneously detects three- and four-color multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) samples. Analyses of the eight combined DNA index system (CODIS) STR loci were performed in 20 min with single-base-pair resolution ranging from 0.