Capturing spermatozoa for str analysis of sexual assault cases using anti-sperm antibodies

DNA isolation in sexual assault cases is complicated by the presence of large numbers of female epithelial cells, which are often in vast excess when compared to spermatozoa. The two-step differential extraction has been a standard method for isolating the spermatozoa; however, new techniques in forensic science allow the use of precision techniques for capturing spermatozoa.We have used an immuno-magnetic bead-based technique for sperm cell separation. We identified two antibodies that were specific to spermatozoa: SP17 polyclonal antibody and SP10 Intra Acrosomal Protein monoclonal antibody.
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series - Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Source Type: research