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Our work

Discover how CapCell develops next-generation forensic tools to solve complex DNA cases.

Overview

CapCell addresses one of the greatest challenges in forensic science: the interpretation of mixed DNA evidence. In many sexual assault cases, traces contain biological material from both victim and perpetrator(s), making it difficult to extract a single, usable DNA profile.
Through innovative microfluidic devices and single-cell sequencing technologies, CapCell will make it possible to capture, isolate and analyse individual cells from these complex mixtures, ensuring more accurate and legally sound evidence.

Innovations

CapCell’s work focuses on five key innovations which are brought together in a validated toolkit for forensic scientists and police authorities.

  1.  Novel collection devices and protocols for postcoital swabs and trace evidence, optimised for single-cell analysis.
  2.  Microfluidics systems (MicroLyseFX and MicroSortFX) for the selection and isolation of sperm and male nucleated cells.
  3.  New single-cell DNA sequencing tools using capillary electrophoresis, massively parallel sequencing, and long-read sequencing.
  4.  Integrated analysis and interpretation tools including machine learning-based automation for forensic data processing.
  5.  A validated modular CapCell toolkit implemented and demonstrated in operational forensic environments.

Work plan

CapCell’s work is organised into seven interlinked work packages (WPs) that together deliver the project’s scientific, technical and societal objectives.

The consortium begins by identifying end-user needs and developing new microfluidic tools for isolating individual cells from complex biological traces. These are combined with cutting-edge sequencing and data analysis methods to enable reliable single-cell DNA profiling. The resulting CapCell toolkit will be validated and implemented by forensic institutes and police authorities, supported by training, communication, and exploitation activities to ensure lasting impact across Europe.

Lead: Maastricht University (UM)

Objectives: Ensure efficient project organisation, financial management, quality assurance, and innovation/IP management.

Lead: Estonian Forensic Science Institute (EFSI)

Objectives: Co-create technology design with end-users and improve intact cell recovery through better collection practices.

Lead: KU Leuven (KUL)

Objectives: Develop and test microfluidic systems for isolating single sperm and male cells; integrate into prototype devices.

Lead: KU Leuven (KUL)

Objectives: Develop and optimise single-cell STR/SNP assays and new sequencing methods for microfluidic outputs.

Lead: Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI)

Objectives: Create data analysis and interpretation tools, including machine learning algorithms for automated processing.

Lead: Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI)

Objectives: Validate the CapCell toolkit in forensic environments and train practitioners in its use.

Lead: accelopment Schweiz AG (accelCH)

Objectives: Promote awareness, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and support uptake and exploitation of project results.