A potential new diagnostic tool to aid DNA analysis from heat compromised bone using colorimetry: A preliminary study

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Biochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• DNA extraction from challenging forensic samples, like bone, is crucial.
• Environmental factors, especially heat, can degrade DNA in skeletal tissues.
• Current methods for assessing bone suitability for DNA analysis are often laborious and time-consuming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce colorimetry as a novel diagnostic tool for assessing DNA viability in heat-treated bone.
• To correlate physical and material changes in heated bone with measurable color variations.
• To predict the success of DNA amplification from bone samples based on color.

Main Methods:

• Bone samples were subjected to controlled heat treatments.
• Material and physical properties of the heated bone were characterized.
• Digital color measurements of the bone samples were taken.
• Color variations were correlated with subsequent DNA amplification success.

Main Results:

• Significant correlations were found between bone color and the extent of degradation.
• Color changes in bone serve as an indicator of underlying chemical alterations.
• Digitally measured bone color can predict the likelihood of successful DNA amplification.

Conclusions:

• Colorimetry offers a rapid, non-destructive method to assess DNA viability in heat-treated bone.
• This diagnostic tool can optimize resource allocation in forensic DNA analysis.
• Bone color serves as a valuable predictor for DNA recovery from challenging samples.