The analysis of biomarkers is a long standing discipline in forensic science. An example of this is the analysis of blood where the presence of various drugs can be found along with DNA for matching purposes. While the field of forensics has grown rapidly over the years, the methods currently used are still in need of improvement. Most modern forensic techniques require the collection of the sample at the crime scene followed by transportation to a laboratory facility for the analysis to take place. At the high pace at which crimes are committed, this methodology is much too slow. In areas with high crime rates, it is also possible that the laboratory analyses are too time consuming and result in backlogs that push investigations back days, weeks, and even months. The research presented here addresses this problem by introducing the use of bioaffinity-based assays for quick and easily interpretable on-site analyses of blood and fingerprint samples. These bio-affinity based enzyme cascades use substrates present in the samples to identify various traits of the sample originators such as age, gender, ethnicity, and general health conditions. Because only miniscule amounts of enzymes and substrates are necessary, this method requires only very small amounts of samples. Furthermore, the bio-affinity based cascades are exceedingly versatile and can be adjusted for the analysis of a large variety of substrates for the discernment of different physical traits. This methodology has the potential to change the mainly laboratory-based analyses to quick on-site analysis that require no specialized laboratory training. This would lead to the revolution of the field of forensic science and result in the acceleration of criminal investigations.

Biomarker analysis via bioaffinity cascades in forensic analysis

250th National Meeting (2015)

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