This dissertation discusses the use of bioaffinity-based systems for on-site forensic analysis.
In response to delays in crime scene processing and transportation, there has been a push towards more rapid, on-site analyses. The development of bioaffinity-based systems introduces a new methodology for on-site forensic analyses. Bioaffinity-based systems are extremely versatile tools that can be adjusted for the analysis of a variety of forensic samples. Slightly different systems can be used for the determination of different demographics, the determination of different sample types, and the differentiation of individuals. By changing and adjusting different parts of these bioaffinity-based systems, many cost-effective and rapid methods of analyses can be produced for the on-site analysis of different forensically-relevant samples. Bioaffinity-based systems can be used for the differentiation of individuals. The study presented here will cover the use of this method in blood serum. DNA analysis is possible; however, the creation of a DNA profile is time-consuming and expensive, and there may not even be a match (either from a person or database). A bioaffinity-based system is inexpensive and can be performed on-site to ascertain valuable information more rapidly than many current methods. Investigators would then have information to work with as they wait for DNA analysis from their crime labs. The system described utilizes a combination of different bioaffinity-based sub-systems to analyze a protein marker panel for the differentiation of individuals.