Periodic Report Summary - MIDAS (The Development and Validation of a Rapid Millifluidic DNA analysis system for forensic casework samples) The MIDAS project was set up to deliver a self-contained, portable instrument to produce DNA database compatible results from crime samples in 2 hours. Automated processes for DNA analysis of large numbers of samples are now used in many of the EU member states; however the most efficient of these high throughput systems can take 3-5 days to produce DNA database-compliant profiles. In high profile crime and terrorism cases it is crucial to access DNA results promptly to provide intelligence to investigators. Currently a small number of samples can be processed in less than 24 h but the method is labour intensive and expensive. MIDAS proposed a real-time, simple-to-operate and cost effective alternative. MIDAS built on the current expertise of the consortium with the aim of delivering a robust, reliable instrument adaptable to the needs of multiple EU agencies. The design would have allowed processing of small numbers of samples at the scene of a crime, in an office environment or in the laboratory. MIDAS sought to develop the initial concept of a rapid DNA device for analysis of mouth swab samples (developed by two of the consortium partners, FSS and University of Arizona) to deliver an instrument capable of the analysis of casework samples, fit for pan-European implementation. Development of the casework device brought new and exciting challenges. For example, whereas control samples contain a large amount of good quality DNA from a single, consistent source (e.g. buccal cells), samples submitted in a casework scenario may be from a number of different sample types e.g. blood; semen; saliva; vaginal fluid. They may be challenged by other substances such as grime or dyes from clothing, be degraded or be mixtures of different body fluids or different donors. The samples required evaluation following DNA extraction to determine the amount of DNA in a sample prior to normalization to ensure the profile attained is of the appropriate quality in terms of peak heights and profile balance. It was always the aim that the project output would be sufficiently robust to satisfy the current and/or future recommendations of DNA advisory bodies including the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) DNA working Group in the EU; if the instrument is to contribute to the global fight against terrorism it must also meet the requirements of the Scientific Working Group for DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) in the USA. Prototype development & Device & System Scalability: A design specification for the development of the instrumentation was completed. This document detailed the design, technical and scientific approach. The technical methods for introducing forensic samples to the device and for purification of the DNA and measuring the amount of purified DNA were still in progress of optimisation at the time of termination. A document was completed describing the main components for detection and separation of the DNA. This document contained plans, designs and previously performed test data along with a Bill of Materials for the optical systems. A report containing the Prototype User Interface Requirements and Graphical User Interface (GUI) Requirements and Recommended implementation was completed. Process Integration, Data Protection & Ethics A report including a risk analysis on process integration, data transfer and database security considering the jurisdiction regulation requirements, as well as ethical and regulatory issues was produced. Exploitation and Dissemination A presentation was delivered to the Security Research Conference, 19-21/09/11, Warsaw, Poland, covering the history and benefits of forensic DNA analysis, the current position of the MIDAS programme and technology and future requirements and opportunities for rapid DNA technology. Other report summaries Periodic Report Summary 2 - MIDAS (The Development and Validation of a Rapid Millifluidic DNA analysis system for forensic casework samples) Periodic Report Summary 1 - MIDAS (The Development and Validation of a Rapid Millifluidic DNA analysis system for forensic casework samples)
