Thesis title: Development of an automated differential DNA extraction method for sexual offences samples
Supervisor: A/Prof Laura Heathfield

Sexual offences against women occur frequently in South Africa. In these instances, vaginal swabs are taken from the victim to identify the perpetrator. These swabs typically represent a mixture of DNA from both the male perpetrator and the female victim. In the laboratory, the DNA must be separated into a male fraction and a female fraction, and each fraction must be purified. This is achieved using a process known as differential DNA extraction. Current methods of differential DNA extraction are limited by throughput and time constraints as several manual steps are needed. These limitations, combined with the immense caseload, have resulted in state forensic laboratories becoming overloaded with sexual offence cases. This has greatly contributed to a national forensic DNA backlog.

This study will attempt to address these challenges by developing a fully automated differential DNA extraction workflow. It is hypothesised that this workflow will reduce sample processing time and increase throughput.