Performance comparison of two most recent Y-STR multiplex systems for real forensic casework analysis

Abstract

Detecting presence of male DNA in a mixture is still a challenge in forensic DNA typing. The study presents performance comparison of the two most recent Y-STR systems available for forensic case work, Y filer plus (YFP) and PowerPlex Y23 (PP Y23) multiplex system. Comparative study was conducted by using full and half reaction volumes of both the systems. On the basis of the work done on more than 200 case samples of sexual assault, PP Y23 multiplex system was found to be more promising than YFP. In the experiments conducted with lesser reaction volumes, it was observed that even 8 μL PCR reaction mix of PP Y23 was able to detect 16 pg of male DNA; however, with YFP it was possible with 100 pg. More balanced Y-STR profiles were observed with low male DNA with PPY23.