Objective
"Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) requires technology for a rapid, non-destructive, and accurate detection of a wide variety of evidence including invisible stains of bodily fluids. Particularly crucial is the discrimination of semen in stained evidences from sexual assault cases as those evidences have high odds of containing aggressor DNA.
This SME Instrument phase 1 project aims at evaluating the feasibility of a new product: Sex-Assault-ID. This product will address Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) concerns following suspicion of sexual assault. Sex-Assault-ID will be a revealing biochemical reagent for semen stains mapping and will be part of the Crime Scene Technician (CST) tool box. It will come as a dissolving tablet to produce a ready to use sprayable solution. After spraying the solution over suspected materials (fabrics, carpets, sofa, bedding, car seat…) a portable UV lamp will specifically reveal semen presence within 3 minutes. The CST will then be able to sample the stains and send them for DNA profiling. Such a technical product does not exist, and the market is worldwide.
AXO Science expertise and know-how will be used to transfer Sex-Assault-ID concept directly from lab to market. Current status of innovation is TRL4 (Technology validated in laboratory).
The main task will determine chemical formulation to provide a dry, stable tablet, that:
1- Allow specific detection of Prostatic Acid Phosphatase contained in human male semen
2- Do not affect DNA and sampling.
3- Is compatible with dry tablets routine production
The performances of the Sex-Assault-ID test will be evaluated. But ultimate outcomes of the phase 1 report will be a ""go/no go"" decision on the launching of a phase 2 project involving end user(s) as partner(s) for CSI evaluation."
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinator
69004 Lyon
France
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.