Sallyann Harbison

Publications (12)31.34 Total impact

• Article: Detection of target-probe oligonucleotide hybridization using synthetic nanopore resistive pulse sensing.

  Marsilea Adela Booth, Robert Vogel, James M Curran, Sallyann Harbison, Jadranka Travas-Sejdic
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  ABSTRACT: Despite the plethora of DNA sensor platforms available, a portable, sensitive, selective and economic sensor able to rival current fluorescence-based techniques would find use in many applications. In this research, probe oligonucleotide-grafted particles are used to detect target DNA in solution through a resistive pulse nanopore detection technique. Using carbodiimide chemistry, functionalised probe DNA strands are attached to carboxylated dextran-based magnetic particles. Subsequent incubation with complementary target DNA yields a change in surface properties as the two DNA strands hybridize. Particle-by-particle analysis with resistive pulse sensing is performed to detect these changes. A variable pressure method allows identification of changes in the surface charge of particles. As proof-of-principle, we demonstrate that target hybridization is selectively detected at micromolar concentrations (nanomoles of target) using resistive pulse sensing, confirmed by fluorescence and phase analysis light scattering as complementary techniques. The advantages, feasibility and limitations of using resistive pulse sensing for sample analysis are discussed.
  Biosensors & bioelectronics 02/2013; 45C:136-140. · 5.43 Impact Factor
• Article: Development of an electrochemical polypyrrole-based DNA sensor and subsequent studies on the effects of probe and target length on performance.

  Marsilea Adela Booth, SallyAnn Harbison, Jadranka Travas-Sejdic
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  ABSTRACT: DNA sensors have a wide scope of applications in the present and emerging medical and scientific fields, such as medical diagnostics and forensic investigations. However, much research-to-date on DNA sensor development has focused on short target DNA strands as model genes. In this communication we study the effect of the length of oligonucleotide probe and target strands as a significant step towards real world applications for DNA detection. The sensor technology described uses the conducting polymer polypyrrole as both a sensing element and transducer of sensing events - namely the hybridization of complementary target oligonucleotide to probe oligonucleotide. Detection is performed using electrical impedance spectroscopy. Initially sensor development is performed, wherein we demonstrate an improvement in stability and sensitivity as well as show a reduction in non-specific DNA binding for fabricated sensors, through use of a specific dopant and post-growth treatment. Subsequently, we show that longer target DNA strands display increased response, as do sensors containing longer probe DNA strands. It is suggested that these results are a feature of the increase in negative charges associated with the longer DNA strands. The results of this comparative study are aimed to guide future design of analogous sensors.
  Biosensors & bioelectronics 07/2011; 28(1):362-7. · 5.43 Impact Factor
• Article: A comparison of stochastic variation in mixed and unmixed casework and synthetic samples.

  Jo-Anne Bright, Kurt McManus, SallyAnn Harbison, Peter Gill, John Buckleton
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  ABSTRACT: Understanding the behaviour of mixed DNA profiles is of paramount importance in forensic DNA analysis. Key parameters are those of heterozygote balance and mixture proportion and its variability. These parameters have been previously explored as a function of the average peak height of the active alleles in single source and mixed samples derived from pristine DNA. Here we report a comparison of this data with data obtained from casework samples. This allows an assessment of the difference in the distribution of heterozygote balance between mixed and single source stains and between casework mixtures and synthetic mixtures constructed from pristine DNA.
  Forensic science international. Genetics 05/2011; 6(2):180-4. · 2.42 Impact Factor
• Article: Characterising stutter in forensic STR multiplexes.

  Clare Brookes, Jo-Anne Bright, SallyAnn Harbison, John Buckleton
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  ABSTRACT: Stutter is an artefact seen when amplifying short tandem repeats and typically occurs at one repeat unit shorter in length than the parent allele. In forensic analysis, stutter complicates the analysis of DNA profiles from multiple contributors, known as mixed profiles, a common profile type. Consequently it is important to both understand and predict stutter behaviour in order to improve our understanding of the resolution and interpretation of these profiles. Whilst stutter is well recognised and documented, little information is available that identifies and quantifies what influences the formation of stutter. In this work we use a novel approach to examine this. We have used synthetic oligonucleotides comprising multiple repeat units to test; the influence of repeat number, the influence of repeat sequence and the impact of interruptions to the repeat sequence length. Using multiple replicates allows detailed statistical analysis. We have confirmed a linear relationship between stutter ratio and repeat number. We have shown that increased A-T content increases stutter ratio and that interruptions in repeating sequences decreased stutter ratios to levels similar to the longest uninterrupted repeat stretch. We also found that there was no relationship between stutter ratio and repeat number for a repeat unit with an A-T content of 1/4 and that half of the interrupted repeat sequences stuttered significantly less than their longest uninterrupted repeat stretches. We have applied the knowledge gained to examine specific features of the loci present in the AmpFlSTR(®) SGM Plus(®) multiplex kit used in our laboratory.
  Forensic science international. Genetics 03/2011; 6(1):58-63. · 2.42 Impact Factor
• Article: The effect of cleaning agents on the ability to obtain DNA profiles using the Identifiler™ and PowerPlex® Y multiplex kits.

  Jo-Anne Bright, Sarah Cockerton, SallyAnn Harbison, Amanda Russell, Olivia Samson, Kate Stevenson
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  ABSTRACT: A year after the introduction of Identifiler™ into the forensic DNA laboratories of the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), increasing occurrences of dropout of the three loci, D7S820, D18S51, and FGA, were observed in samples where the DNA was not degraded and sufficient DNA was present that full DNA profiles were to be expected. The dropout was either partial or complete at these loci. Full profiles could sometimes be obtained by reamplification of samples using the same input amount of DNA. After a thorough investigation of the methods and procedures used in the laboratory, the cause of this inhibition was identified as the cleaning agent TriGene™ ADVANCE. This was determined after the deliberate addition of varying amounts of different cleaning reagents into the DNA amplification reactions. At concentrations of 0.004% TriGene™ ADVANCE caused inhibition resulting in tri-loci dropout. At concentrations of 0.04% and higher, complete inhibition was observed. An effect was also seen on the amplification of samples using the Y STR profiling system PowerPlex(®) Y. This work highlights the importance of checking all reagents and chemicals prior to use, even those with no apparent direct influence on the DNA profiling process.
  Journal of Forensic Sciences 01/2011; 56(1):181-5. · 1.23 Impact Factor
• Article: A method for DNA and RNA co-extraction for use on forensic samples using the Promega DNA IQ™ system.

  Anna Bowden, Rachel Fleming, SallyAnn Harbison
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  ABSTRACT: The use of messenger RNA profiling to identify the origin of biological samples (e.g. blood, semen and saliva) from crime scenes is now at the stage of being implemented into routine forensic casework. We report on the successful modification of the Promega DNA IQ™ system to enable co-extraction of DNA and RNA from the same sample without compromising the potential DNA profile. Using the protocol in our laboratory for extracting DNA using the DNA IQ™ system combined with the Zymo Research Mini RNA Isolation Kit™ II we demonstrate the simultaneous co-extraction of DNA and RNA from the same sample for routine DNA and mRNA profiling for the identification of both the individual and the biological stain.
  Forensic science international. Genetics 01/2010; 5(1):64-8. · 2.42 Impact Factor
• Article: The use of bacteria for the identification of vaginal secretions.

  Rachel I Fleming, SallyAnn Harbison
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  ABSTRACT: We have used the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer region for identifying vaginal specific bacteria. Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus gasseri were detected in vaginal secretions but not in semen, blood or saliva. Our data indicated that both L. crispatus and L. gasseri were detected in vaginal secretions from women with different levels of expression of hormonal genes including pregnant, pre- and post-menopausal women, and a woman who has had a hysterectomy. Therefore, we have demonstrated that these Lactobacilli are promising new markers for the forensic identification of vaginal secretions. We have incorporated the Lactobacilli markers into a mRNA multiplex system to produce an 11-plex assay that can identify circulatory blood, menstrual blood, saliva, semen (in the presence and absence of spermatozoa) and vaginal secretions.
  Forensic science international. Genetics 01/2010; 4(5):311-5. · 2.42 Impact Factor
• Article: The development of a mRNA multiplex RT-PCR assay for the definitive identification of body fluids.

  Rachel I Fleming, SallyAnn Harbison
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  ABSTRACT: With current methodology, DNA profiling can identify an individual from a sample of biological material but it does not reveal what body fluid or tissue source the DNA profile originated from. We have developed a multiplex PCR system using messenger RNA (mRNA) that can identify blood, saliva, semen and menstrual blood in individual stains or in mixtures of body fluids. Messenger RNA transcripts specific to each type of body fluid have been identified and a multiplex reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) system developed to identify these body fluids along with three housekeeping genes. This multiplex can detect semen and seminal fluid (semen without spermatozoa present). Furthermore, we have targeted the co-isolation of RNA and DNA from the same sample and, with the RT-PCR multiplex, we can determine the type of body fluid present as well as generate a DNA profile(s) from the same stain.
  Forensic science international. Genetics 12/2009; 4(4):244-56. · 2.42 Impact Factor
• Article: Interpretation of DNA mixtures--Australian and New Zealand consensus on principles.

  Peta Stringer, John W Scheffer, Pam Scott, Joannah Lee, Robert Goetz, Vanessa Ientile, Carmen Eckhoff, Gavin Turbett, Des Carroll, SallyAnn Harbison
  Forensic science international. Genetics 04/2009; 3(2):144-5. · 2.42 Impact Factor
• Article: Recommendations for DNA laboratories supporting Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Operations--Australian and New Zealand consensus on ISFG recommendations.

  Joannah Lee, Pam Scott, Des Carroll, Carmen Eckhoff, SallyAnn Harbison, Vanessa Ientile, Robert Goetz, John W Scheffer, Peta Stringer, Gavin Turbett
  Forensic science international. Genetics 01/2009; 3(1):54-6. · 2.42 Impact Factor
• Article: Y STR haplotype data for New Zealand population groups using the Y-Plex 6 kit.

  Charis Shepherd, SallyAnn Harbison, Jill Vintiner
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  ABSTRACT: Allele and haplotype frequencies were obtained for the six Y STR loci DYS19, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS393 and DYS385 in the New Zealand population. Ninety-two different haplotypes were found. The Maori population had a specific haplotype that occurred in over 30% of the population. The Pacific Island population exhibited a triple repeat at the DYS385 locus in 26% of individuals, something rarely observed in other population groups.
  Forensic Science International 11/2004; 145(1):69-72. · 2.30 Impact Factor
• Article: Extraction of DNA from cigarette butts using proteinase forensicGEM

  Charis Shepherd, Sallyann Harbison, David J. Saul