Forensic DNA Analysis: Massively Parallel Sequencing Workflows
Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) offers a solution to the biggest challenges facing CE methods, from distinguishing true allele variation from PCR artifacts, to interpreting mixtures and obtaining usable profiles from degraded DNA. Our expanded portfolio offers two complementary product lines: the PowerSeq® family for mitochondrial and STR library preparation, and the IDseek® line from NimaGen, powered by Reverse Complement PCR (RC-PCR) making it the only library prep method as simple as a single PCR for STR, SNP, microhaplotype and mitochondrial DNA MPS library prep. Together, these product lines give forensic laboratories more options as they evaluate and adopt MPS workflows.
PowerSeq® products enable target amplification of the mitochondrial control region and whole mitochondrial sequences. In addition, PowerSeq® products can amplify short tandem repeats (STRs) in both autosomal and Y-chromosome DNA to prepare Illumina® sequencing libraries for MPS analysis. IDseek® MPS library prep kits combine multiplex PCR amplification, adapter ligation and indexing in a single, closed-tube reaction, which significantly reduces hands-on time while minimizing risk of error and contamination. IDseek® products will be available on our website later this year.
PowerSeq® Whole Mito System
Streamlined workflow for complete mtDNA analysis
The PowerSeq® Whole Mito System generates 161 small amplicons covering the entire region of the mitochondrial genome. The targeted regions for amplification are designed for an average size of 167bp to ensure optimal results from degraded samples. The system contains reagents for library preparation and a streamlined workflow that greatly reduces the number of steps and time required to produce libraries ready for sequencing.
PowerSeq® CRM Nested System, Custom
Streamlined library prep for mtDNA analysis
The PowerSeq® CRM Nested System, Custom, generates 10 small amplicons covering the control region of the mitochondrial genome in one multiplex reaction. This technique improves the results for degraded samples. The workflow greatly simplifies library preparation by saving time, decreasing sample loss and reducing data variability.
PowerSeq® 46GY System
Optimized panel of loci for STR analysis
The PowerSeq® 46GY System offers the same sensitivity as STR amplification kits. It can be used to prepare MPS libraries and generate sequencing data compatible with Illumina® sequencing technology. The kit enables identification of sequence variants in familiar autosomal and Y-STR loci, so that data generated are usable and interpretable with current guidelines.
PowerSeq® Quant MS System
Consistent library prep for STR analysis
The PowerSeq® Quant MS System is a qPCR-based system designed for quantitation of libraries prior to sequencing on the Illumina® MiSeq® system. Accurate library quantitation provides balanced representation of pooled libraries and reduces sequencing bias.
Coming in 2026: IDseek® MPS Library Prep Kits from NimaGen
The only forensic MPS library prep powered by RC-PCR technology, making it as simple as a single PCR amplification.
We have partnered with NimaGen B.V. to bring the IDseek® MPS library prep portfolio to forensic casework laboratories worldwide. NimaGen’s patented RC-PCR, a combining multiplex PCR amplification, adapter ligation and indexing all in a closed, one-tube reaction. After RC-PCR amplification, samples are pool-purified and size-selected using AmpliClean™ Magnetic Bead Cleanup, providing sequencing ready libraries. This streamlined workflow significantly reduces hands-on time and minimizes risk of pipetting errors, sample swapping and contamination.
Key advantages of IDseek® RC-PCR library preparation:
- One closed-tube, single reaction workflow with simultaneous indexing and target amplification
- Improved specificity and sensitivity from low starting primer concentrations, enabling use of low-quantity and degraded DNA samples
- Single pool library purification for equal-input sample sets, reducing time and consumable costs
- Library Normalization Kits for optimized sample-to-sample read depth distribution across mixed-quantity and mixed-quality samples
The IDseek® portfolio spans more than 20 products across seven product families, supporting applications including:
- Autosomal STR profiling (IDseek® OmniSTR™)
- Y-chromosomal STR profiling (IDseek® mYSTR™)
- Combined autosomal and Y-chromosomal STR profiling (IDseek® CombiSTR™ Plus)
- Microhaplotype analysis (IDseek® OmniHAP™)
- Identity informative SNP typing (IDseek® OmniSNP™)
- Mitochondrial DNA sequencing (IDseek® Mitochondrial HVR and Full Genome kits)
- Library Purification (AmpliClean™ Cleanup Kit, Magnetic Beads)
- Indices addition (Unique Dual Index Primer Plates)
These products are not yet available for purchase on our website. To be notified when IDseek® products become available, or to speak with one of our forensic specialists about MPS adoption, contact us.
Massively Parallel Sequencing Workflow Product Groups
Preprocessing and Differential Extraction
Reagents to help you pretreat swabs and storage card punches prior to direct amplification, preprocess challenging casework samples and easily separate sperm and epithelial cells.
DNA Isolation
DNA extraction systems that allow you to yield pure, intact DNA and save time with automation.
Human Specific DNA Quantitation
Systems to help you determine human genomic DNA concentration prior to STR amplification, assess DNA integrity and detect PCR inhibitors.
PowerSeq® MPS Library Prep Kits
Reagents to amplify combined autosomal and Y-STR markers, control and whole mitochondrial genome for MPS analysis
IDseek® MPS Library Prep Kits
RC-PCR based technology reagents for library preparation of forensic STR, SNP, microhaplotype and mitochondrial DNA and AmpliClean™ reagents help you obtain sequencing ready libraries in a short, streamlined workflow. Available in 2026.
Massively Parallel Sequencing for Forensic DNA Analysis
Traditionally, capillary electrophoresis (CE) has been the method of choice for analyzing short tandem repeats (STRs) for human identification. Although CE methods continue to evolve in terms of increasing sensitivity and the ability to work with degraded or poor-quality DNA, the technique still faces some challenges.
Next-generation sequencing (NGS), or massively parallel sequencing (MPS), enables the simultaneous analysis of hundreds of genetic markers, considerably more than current CE technologies. In addition to providing information on the size of the repeated regions, as CE does, MPS determines the underlying DNA sequence of each region. In doing so, MPS offers a solution to the biggest challenges facing CE methods, such as distinguishing true allele variation from PCR artifacts, interpreting mixtures, and obtaining usable profiles from degraded DNA.
Although adoption of MPS workflows by forensic laboratories has been gradual, the technology continues to demonstrate its value for increasing the accuracy and throughput of forensic DNA analysis. To support laboratories evaluating this transition, we have expanded our MPS portfolio by partnering with NimaGen B.V., to add the IDseek® line of RC-PCR–based MPS library preparation kits to our existing PowerSeq® products. RC-PCR combines multiplex PCR amplification, adapter ligation and indexing in a single closed-tube reaction, significantly reducing hands-on time and the risk of contamination. With this expanded portfolio, forensic laboratories can access MPS solutions for STR, SNP, microhaplotype and mitochondrial DNA analysis through the same Promega relationship, technical support infrastructure and global distribution network they already rely on for CE-based workflows.
