Date of Award
Fall 12-2019
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department/Program
Forensic Science
Language
English
First Advisor or Mentor
Mechthild Prinz
Second Reader
Richard Li
Third Advisor
Grace Axler-DiPerte
Abstract
The collection of touch DNA from evidence has been a challenge in the field of Forensic Biology for decades. There are numerous collection protocols, substrates, and solutions that have been used to varying levels of success. Currently, no single method or substrate stands out as the single most effective collection protocol. The Gene Link Omni Matrix™ K105 solution is a novel collection method that can be sprayed onto the surface of non-porous evidence. The matrix dries into a film, capturing cells and cell-free DNA which can be scraped off and collected into a tube. During extraction, the matrix dissolves into the extraction buffer, reducing the number of transfer steps in an extraction protocol. In this study, five donors touched various pieces of mock evidence in duplicate. One item was swabbed while the other item of each pair was sampled with the matrix solution. In this small study, the Omni-Matrix™ K105 solution led to a 15-fold increase in median DNA yield, twice as many alleles called using the Globalfiler PCR Amplification Kit, and higher quality profiles than when evidence was swabbed. Further studies focusing on a larger sample size, donor shedder status, and compatibility with latent fingerprint development techniques would be necessary to prove whether the matrix could be a viable alternative to current sampling methods.
Recommended Citation
Ramirez, Eric, "Evaluation of a novel DNA collection matrix designed to improve recovery of touch DNA from non-porous surfaces" (2019). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/jj_etds/133