Body Fluid Identification and Classification

In the first installment of the R&D Webinar Series, Dr. Sarah Seashols Williams from Virginia Commonwealth University, will demonstrate the ability to classify body fluids using miRNA expression from DNA extracts with 92% accuracy, eliminating the need for RNA extraction, greatly reducing evidentiary sample consumption and processing time in forensic laboratories. 

Additionally, Samriddha Dutta from the University of California, Riverside, will present her work on developing a chemiresistive nanobiosensor array with single-walled carbon nanotubes on paper, enabling on-site identification of body fluids (blood, semen, saliva, urine, sweat) via protein biomarkers. This innovative system, with its high sensitivity and minimal sample requirements, holds significant promise for advancing forensic science and investigations.  

Detailed Learning Objectives

1. Attendees will gain an understanding of the innovative chemiresistive nanobiosensor array technology using Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for on-site identification of multiple body fluids and the role of protein biomarkers in this process.
2. Attendees will be briefed on miRNA detection as a means for body fluid classification and recognize that miRNA detection in DNA extracts is possible.
3. Attendees will be able to describe why a quantitative classification of body fluid origin is preferable to traditional serological techniques. 

This webinar is part of the 2023 NIJ Forensic R&D Webinar Series