摘要 |
In various aspects, the present invention provides novel and effective methods and kits for the isolation of sperm and sperm DNA from samples having at least one other cell type, or having the DNA of one other cell type. More specifically, a process for isolating sperm DNA from a mixture of sperm and non-sperm cells by filtration is provided. DNA from non-sperm cells is solubilized by selective lysis, and the intact sperm are retained on a filter, washed, and then treated in situ with a reducing agent to solubilize the sperm DNA. Significantly, centrifugation steps are not required, the process can be easily automated, and can be performed on many samples in parallel. The novel methods and kits are based on filtering selectively solubilized samples through filters that retain sperm by virtue of having uniform pore diameters that: are smaller than sperm, large enough to allow passage of cell debris and solubilized DNA; and are stable to pressure. The inventive methods and kits have broad utility, particularly in the forensic art.
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