Application of RapidHIT™ ID for cell authentication by fast and convenient STR profiling

Background As cell therapies are injected directly into the body, cell authentication is essential. Short tandem repeat (STR) profiling is used for human identification in forensics as well as for cell authentication. The standard methodology (DNA extraction, quantification, polymerase chain reaction, and capillary electrophoresis) takes at least 6 h and requires several instruments to obtain an STR profile. RapidHIT™ ID is a single automated instrument that provides an STR profile in 90 min. Objective In this study, we aimed to propose a method to use RapidHIT™ ID for cell authentication. Methods Four types of cells which are used for cell therapy or in the production process were used. The sensitivity of STR profiling was compared by the cell type and cell count using RapidHIT™ ID. Moreover, the effect of preservation solutions, pre-treatment with cell lysis solution, proteinase K, Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) cards, and dried or wet cotton swabs (with a single cell type or a mixture of two) were examined. The results were compared to those obtained by the standard methodology using genetic analyzer ThermoFisher SeqStudio. Results We accomplished a high sensitivity through our proposed method that can benefit cytology laboratories. Although the pre-treatment process affected the quality of the STR profile, other variables did not significantly affect STR profiling. Conclusion As a result of the experiment, RapidHIT™ ID can be used as a faster and simpler instrument for cell authentication.