Advancements and Applications of STR Kits in Forensic DNA Profiling: A Comprehensive Review

Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis is a crucial technique in forensic science, providing high-resolution DNA profiling for criminal investigations, paternity tests, and identification of missing persons. This document outlines the key stages of STR analysis, including sample collection and preservat...

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Main Authors: Omar A Mahmoud, Mohammed A. Hameed, Shahrazad H. Muhi, Farah B. Abed, Sahar M. Ibrahim, Ibrahim Ramzi Hadi, Dunya A. Mohammed, Ruaa Maan Attallah
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University 2025-03-01
Series:Baghdad Journal of Biochemistry and Applied Biological Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.bjbabs.org/index.php/bjbabs/article/view/355
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author Omar A Mahmoud
Mohammed A. Hameed
Shahrazad H. Muhi
Farah B. Abed
Sahar M. Ibrahim
Ibrahim Ramzi Hadi
Dunya A. Mohammed
Ruaa Maan Attallah
author_facet Omar A Mahmoud
Mohammed A. Hameed
Shahrazad H. Muhi
Farah B. Abed
Sahar M. Ibrahim
Ibrahim Ramzi Hadi
Dunya A. Mohammed
Ruaa Maan Attallah
author_sort Omar A Mahmoud
collection DOAJ
description Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis is a crucial technique in forensic science, providing high-resolution DNA profiling for criminal investigations, paternity tests, and identification of missing persons. This document outlines the key stages of STR analysis, including sample collection and preservation, DNA extraction and quantification, PCR amplification of STR loci, capillary electrophoresis, and data interpretation. Proper handling and storage of forensic samples are essential to prevent DNA degradation and contamination. PCR amplification, using Taq polymerase, enables the replication of STR loci for analysis. Capillary electrophoresis then separates these fragments, generating an electropherogram that is interpreted using specialized software. STR profiling is widely used due to its sensitivity, accuracy, and ability to analyze degraded DNA samples. Despite its advantages, challenges such as DNA mixture interpretation and environmental degradation persist. The continuous advancement of forensic DNA technology, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), aims to enhance STR analysis efficiency and accuracy. This document also discusses various STR kits used in forensic science, their applications, and standard protocols ensuring reliable results. STR analysis remains a cornerstone of forensic DNA testing, playing a significant role in legal and investigative processes worldwide.
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publishDate 2025-03-01
publisher College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University
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series Baghdad Journal of Biochemistry and Applied Biological Sciences
spelling doaj-art-e9141fad1a9f40e2a838415be6cc05cf2025-08-20T01:51:36ZengCollege of Medicine, Al-Nahrain UniversityBaghdad Journal of Biochemistry and Applied Biological Sciences2706-99152025-03-016111710.47419/bjbabs.v6i1.355Advancements and Applications of STR Kits in Forensic DNA Profiling: A Comprehensive ReviewOmar A Mahmoud0https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6884-9398Mohammed A. Hameed1https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8621-3696Shahrazad H. Muhi2https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1148-3762Farah B. Abed3https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1356-2304Sahar M. Ibrahim4https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6638-9498Ibrahim Ramzi Hadi5https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3734-3985Dunya A. Mohammed6https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0541-8194Ruaa Maan Attallah7https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8095-0952Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, IraqHigher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, IraqHigher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, IraqHigher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, IraqHigher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, IraqHigher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, IraqHigher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, IraqHigher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, IraqShort tandem repeat (STR) analysis is a crucial technique in forensic science, providing high-resolution DNA profiling for criminal investigations, paternity tests, and identification of missing persons. This document outlines the key stages of STR analysis, including sample collection and preservation, DNA extraction and quantification, PCR amplification of STR loci, capillary electrophoresis, and data interpretation. Proper handling and storage of forensic samples are essential to prevent DNA degradation and contamination. PCR amplification, using Taq polymerase, enables the replication of STR loci for analysis. Capillary electrophoresis then separates these fragments, generating an electropherogram that is interpreted using specialized software. STR profiling is widely used due to its sensitivity, accuracy, and ability to analyze degraded DNA samples. Despite its advantages, challenges such as DNA mixture interpretation and environmental degradation persist. The continuous advancement of forensic DNA technology, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), aims to enhance STR analysis efficiency and accuracy. This document also discusses various STR kits used in forensic science, their applications, and standard protocols ensuring reliable results. STR analysis remains a cornerstone of forensic DNA testing, playing a significant role in legal and investigative processes worldwide.https://www.bjbabs.org/index.php/bjbabs/article/view/355forensic scienceshort tandem repeat (str) analysisdna profilingcapillary electrophoresisforensic dna testingngsbiological evidence
spellingShingle Omar A Mahmoud
Mohammed A. Hameed
Shahrazad H. Muhi
Farah B. Abed
Sahar M. Ibrahim
Ibrahim Ramzi Hadi
Dunya A. Mohammed
Ruaa Maan Attallah
Advancements and Applications of STR Kits in Forensic DNA Profiling: A Comprehensive Review
Baghdad Journal of Biochemistry and Applied Biological Sciences
forensic science
short tandem repeat (str) analysis
dna profiling
capillary electrophoresis
forensic dna testing
ngs
biological evidence
title Advancements and Applications of STR Kits in Forensic DNA Profiling: A Comprehensive Review
title_full Advancements and Applications of STR Kits in Forensic DNA Profiling: A Comprehensive Review
title_fullStr Advancements and Applications of STR Kits in Forensic DNA Profiling: A Comprehensive Review
title_full_unstemmed Advancements and Applications of STR Kits in Forensic DNA Profiling: A Comprehensive Review
title_short Advancements and Applications of STR Kits in Forensic DNA Profiling: A Comprehensive Review
title_sort advancements and applications of str kits in forensic dna profiling a comprehensive review
topic forensic science
short tandem repeat (str) analysis
dna profiling
capillary electrophoresis
forensic dna testing
ngs
biological evidence
url https://www.bjbabs.org/index.php/bjbabs/article/view/355
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