The PowerPlex® Y23 System allows Y-STR analysis of human forensic samples and database samples. The 5-dye STR multiplex includes the loci from the PowerPlex® Y System, Applied Biosystems' AmpFlSTR® Y-Filer® Kit, as well as six new, highly informative Y-STR loci.
The system enables laboratories to:
- Reveal more Y-STR loci in excess female DNA
- Cut your amplification time roughly in half
- Simplify workflows with one kit for both casework and database samples
- Obtain a full profile from precious samples, even those that are highly inhibited
Amplify 23 Y-STR Loci in a Single PCR Reaction
With the ability to amplify 23 Y-STR loci, the PowerPlex® Y23 System enables the detection of more loci, resulting in fewer inconclusive results, and making the PowerPlex® Y23 System ideal for:
- Forensic casework
- Kinship analysis
- Familial searching
Figure 1. The PowerPlex® Y23 System allows co-amplification and four-color detection of 23 male-specific STR loci: DYS576, DYS389 I/II, DYS448, DYS19, DYS391, DYS481, DYS549, DYS533, DYS438 (penta), DYS437, DYS570, DYS635, DYS390, DYS439, DYS392, DYS643 (penta), DYS393, DYS458, DYS 385 a/b, DYS456 and YGATA-H4.
Amplify Only Male DNA
The PowerPlex® Y23 System can successfully amplify trace amounts of male DNA, particularly in the presence of overabundant amounts of female DNA (6450-fold excess).
Figure 2. This data indicates the percentage of loci called for samples with decreasing amounts of male DNA in the presence of 400ng of female DNA for three Y-STR kits; PowerPlex®Y23, AmpFlstr® Y-Filer®, and PowerPlex®Y. Amplified products were separated on an Applied Biosystems 3130xl Genetic Analyzer (3kV, 5-second injection). 
Obtain Full Profiles from the Most Challenging Samples
The PowerPlex® Y23 System is a robust multiplex that that is tolerant of many amplification inhibitors including hematin, tannic acid, and humic acid. The robust performance of the kit results in more interpretable data and less need for re-amplification of inhibitor laden samples.
Figure 3. Human genomic DNA (500pg; n = 3) was amplified with the PowerPlex® Y23 System in the presence of common inhibitors such as hematin, humic acid and tannic acid. Percent of loci called are indicated. Streamline Workflows with Direct Amplification
The PowerPlex® Y23 System is also compatible with direct amplification, helping to streamline Y-STR databasing efforts. Amplification can be successfully performed with sample types such as FTA® card punches as well as pretreated swabs, Bode Buccal DNA Collector™ punches or S&S 903 punches.
Figure 4. Amplification of two 1.2mm punches from buccal on an FTA® card (direct amplification) using 27 cycles with the PowerPlex® Y23 System. Amplified products were separated on an Applied Biosystems 3130xl Genetic Analyzer (3kV, 5-second injection).
Figure 5. Amplification of DNA on cotton swab pre-processed with SwabSolution™ prototype reagent using 26 cycles with the PowerPlex® Y23 System. Amplified products were separated on an Applied Biosystems 3130xl Genetic Analyzer (3kV, 5-second injection).