Detection of latent DNA.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Touch DNA is a common forensic sample type.
• Current methods lack the ability to visualize deposited touch DNA.
• Visualizing touch DNA is critical for forensic investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the effective use of Diamond Dye for visualizing touch DNA.
• To assess the utility of Diamond Dye in forensic contexts.
• To improve the targeted sampling of DNA from forensic items.

Main Methods:

• Volunteers made brief contact with forensic items.
• Diamond Dye was applied to visualize deposited cellular material.
• Mini-fluorescence microscopy was used for visualization.
• DNA profiling confirmed the human origin of deposited material.

Main Results:

• Diamond Dye successfully visualized touch DNA on various items.
• The dye clearly indicated areas of brief contact.
• Visualized material was confirmed as human DNA from the contactor.
• Diamond Dye did not inhibit subsequent DNA profiling.

Conclusions:

• Diamond Dye offers a novel method for visualizing touch DNA.
• This technique enhances the ability to locate and sample trace DNA evidence.
• The method is cost-effective, rapid, and compatible with DNA profiling.