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Application of DNA Fingerprinting using the D1S80 Locus in Lab Classes
Published on: July 17, 2021
Collection of amino acids and DNA from fingerprints using hydrogels
Ward van Helmond1, Vincent O'Brien, Robin de Jong
1Forensic Science, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Weesperzijde 190, 1097 DZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
The amino acid profile obtained from a fingerprint may provide valuable information on its donor. For forensic scientists, recovering evidence relating to the amino acid profile of a suspect can potentially be valuable for identification and exclusion purposes. Herein we detail the use of cross-linkable solutions of dextran-methacrylate to form hydrogels capable of collecting amino acids from surfaces followed by extraction and quantification with UPLC-MS. This method allows for the amino acid profile analysis of fingerprints while allowing for their increased visualisation at a later stage using the standard method of cyanoacrylation. We will demonstrate this method to also be capable of collecting DNA from fingerprints with a 20-60% yield in comparison to using a conventional cotton swab.
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