In April 2022, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) introduced the draft for the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, commonly referred to as the DNA Bill. The primary aim of this legislation is to establish national DNA data banks and laboratories for processing and storing DNA profiles, which will aid in resolving criminal cases, particularly related to sexual assault.
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Forensic and paternity laboratories face challenges in generating usable results from complex samples while meeting high-throughput demands. To address this, HiGenoMB® at Himedia Labs has created high-throughput kits and equipment to enable accurate results, ensure reliable operations, and maintain sample tracking.
Services include innovative and customizable solutions for sample collection, including HiGenoMB®’s InstaDNA™ Card (MBT126), Sample Collection Swabs, and a Crime Scene Investigation kit.
Figure 1. The workflow of DNA profiling from a forensic sample using HiGenoMBR® machines, kits and softwares. Image Credit: Himedia Laboratories Private Limited
Sample collection
Offerings include customizable sample collection solutions such as HiGenoMB®’s InstaDNA™ Card (MBT126), Sample Collection Swabs, and specialized kits for crime scene investigations.
Sample preparation / extraction
Automated DNA extraction is increasingly utilized in forensic labs to enhance capacity, meet rising DNA analysis demands, and minimize contamination and handling errors. These machines are designed to improve the quantity and quality of DNA extracted from diverse forensic samples.
In cases of missing persons, natural disasters, or mass fatalities, bones and teeth are often the only samples available for identification. However, the effectiveness of these samples in STR typing is often hampered by co-extraction of environmental inhibitors and the degradation of samples.
HiPurA® Multi sample Pre-Filled Reagents for Insta NX® Mag32 can efficiently extract inhibitor-free DNA from forensic samples for reliable downstream applications, yielding clear DNA profiles. The HiGenoMB® Insta NX® Mag32 Automated Nucleic Acid Extractor (LA1096) is a user-friendly benchtop device providing maximum flexibility for analyzing various samples, including blood and semen stains, hair, tissue, bone, teeth, and cigarette butts. The pre-filled, ready-to-use kit delivers a final DNA extract in a pure, concentrated state, devoid of inhibitors.
DNA quantification solutions
DNA quantification is a critical step in forensic DNA analysis. Among the available methods, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) is the most sensitive, capable of detecting DNA at picogram (10-12 g) concentrations. qPCR also enables multiplexing, simultaneously detecting multiple DNA targets in a single reaction. Its ability to amplify, detect, and quantify DNA in one streamlined process significantly shortens turnaround time, minimizes the risk of contamination and human error, and simplifies data collection and analysis.
HiGenoMB®'s Q96®-6.0 Real-Time PCR Platform (LA1074) is a next-generation, open-system qPCR solution designed specifically for forensic applications. This user-friendly system monitors DNA amplification in real time—cycle by cycle—delivering precise and accurate quantification. As an open system, users can choose any commercial reagents or test kits without additional calibration. The machine comes equipped with factory-calibrated filters, ensuring compatibility even with competitor kits.
Integrated forensic DNA software solutions
The forensic DNA workflow involves a series of complex steps—from challenging analyses to nuanced decision-making. To manage these demands efficiently, many laboratories depend on software and IT systems to guide processes and streamline day-to-day operations.
HiGenoMB® Forensic ID Software (MBES01) is a user-friendly, web-based platform designed to support forensic professionals in quantifying human DNA. Bundled with the Insta Q96®-6.0 Real-Time PCR Platform (LA1074), this software is the only tool currently available that supports all commercially available human DNA quantification kits—mirroring the flexibility of the hardware itself.
When setting up downstream Short Tandem Repeat (STR) studies, the software automatically generates key information, including DNA quantity, relevant parameters, and recommended dilution series, simplifying the preparation process.
Extracting high-quality DNA in sufficient amounts from challenging samples such as bones or teeth, especially in mass fatality cases, is notoriously difficult. These samples often yield degraded DNA in low concentrations, and recovery success depends heavily on factors like the sample’s pre-discovery environment. Variables such as the individual's age, gender, ethnicity, and the specific skeletal element influence DNA yield and integrity.
At the recently concluded Forensic Hackathon 2023 and the 25th All India Forensic Science Conference (AIFSC-2023), held at the National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar Campus, HiGenoMB®’s Forensic Bone DNA Prediction Software (MBES02) was selected for presentation by the jury. This innovative, open-access tool helps forensic scientists interpret DNA quantification and quality values obtained through real-time PCR analysis using any human DNA quantification kit.
A key feature allows users to input a DNA Quantification Threshold (ng/μL)—the minimum concentration required for successful STR profiling—supporting better-informed decisions in challenging forensic contexts.
PCR amplification
Short Tandem Repeat (STR) technology is now well-established in DNA fingerprinting for identifying people. Profiles generated from STR amplification kits are crucial for creating national and international forensic, paternity, and relationship testing databases.
HiGenoMB®’s Prima Series (LA948, LA949, etc.) are open-system thermal cyclers compatible with any STR amplification kit, maximizing throughput and enabling concurrent experiments.
Wildlife forensics
Wildlife forensics is a relatively new but rapidly growing area within criminal investigation. It aims to apply scientific methods, such as inspection, classification, and comparison, to link crime scene evidence with suspects and animal victims. In the Indian context, where current trade laws prohibit the export and import of beef (including cow, bull, and calf), accurate species identification is essential not only for law enforcement but also to prevent adulteration and support wildlife protection efforts.
To address this need, HiGenoMB® has developed three real-time PCR assays to detect mitochondrial DNA and sex chromosomes in bovine species. These assays are fully open and compatible with various qPCR systems commonly used in forensic laboratories.
Experimental validation has shown that the assays are robust, consistently delivering reliable and reproducible results for somatic detection and sex identification of Bos taurus (cow) and Bubalus bubalis (buffalo), even when working with low DNA concentrations.
HiGenoMB®’s findings were recently shared through an official communication published in the Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series, and further showcased via a poster presentation at the 29th Congress of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG).
In conclusion, HiGenoMB®’s equipment, kits, and software can standardize sample processing and forensic testing, ensuring consistent, high-quality results—from Sample to Insight.
Figure 2. HiGenoMB's® official communication conveying availability of our automated extraction system, kits and Real-Time PCR assay to detect DNA from bovine species. Image Credit: Himedia Laboratories Private Limited
About Himedia Laboratories Private Limited
With a presence in more than 150 countries, HiMedia is amongst the top three brands in the Bioscience Industry.
HiMedia Laboratories Private Limited is world renowned for manufacturing high quality culture media for microbiology. Additionally, we provide advanced media and products in the fields of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Plant Tissue Culture, Chemicals and Lab Aids/Equipment. As a Top Tier Global player, we are not only dedicated towards products but also striven towards introducing technologies such as Genomics Sequencing Services and Hydroponics.
HiMedia has managed to do this over decades as we have our own in-house bulk raw materials manufacturing plant. This enables us to deliver consistent quality products that conform to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2012 and WHO: GMP.
HiMedia Labs. caters to one of the broadest Biosciences product categories: our premier established line of Microbiology products and newer promising products in Molecular Biology, Automated and Molecular Instruments, Cell Biology, Chemicals, and Premium Grade Lab Consumables, amongst others. The COVID-19 pandemic revolutionized not the clinical industry’s thought process regarding the significance of Molecular Diagnostics products.
The ‘Molecular Biology and Virology Division’ of HiMedia Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. Also called as HiGenoMB® is a One Stop Solution Provider churning out potential Research and Industry oriented Molecular biology products for the past glorious decade. About 2000 different products such as Nucleic Acid Extraction and Amplification (PCR) Kits, Cloning Reagents, Buffers & Chemicals for proteomics studies, Automated Molecular Instrumentation including RT PCR machines and PCR thermal cyclers and DNA/RNA Extraction platforms are being produced. The Proficient researchers in this department are spear heading the challenging field of Molecular Diagnostics to provide a complete solution for clinical diagnosis, agriculture, veterinary sciences, food industry, drug discovery and forensic medicine with the use of Real Time PCR or quantitative PCR kits and thermal cyclers. Our Molecular Biology Division-has established an in-house Advanced Sequencing and Bioinformatics facility which marks HiMedia’s entry into the Services space.
Our Cell Biology segment contributes with technologies which have brought in Serum free media for biopharma applications, Viral Vaccine Production Platform, Multicompendial grade chemicals, cultivated meat, and 3D bioprinting.
Moving from conventional to advanced automated methods like MALDI-TOF (Autof MS 1000) has been our newest endeavour for Microbiology.
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