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Evaluation of DNA Extraction Methods for Processing Fingerprint Powder-Coated Forensic Evidence
Samuel J Cornwell1, Jasmine W Tay1, Rudi K Allan1
1Forensic Biology Laboratory, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Locked Bag 2009, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|November 6, 2019
Summary
Forensic DNA analysis effectiveness depends on fingerprint powder. This study found that DNA extraction methods like DNA IQ™ and PrepFiler™ yield more DNA than Chelex, with specific methods best suited for magnetic versus nonmagnetic powders.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Molecular Biology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Fingerprint powders are crucial in forensic investigations.
- Different fingerprint powders vary in color and properties.
- Optimizing DNA extraction from dusted fingerprints is essential for successful forensic analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficiency of three DNA extraction protocols (Chelex, Promega DNA IQ™, Applied Biosystems™ PrepFiler™) for recovering DNA from surfaces treated with various fingerprint powders.
- To determine if fingerprint powder properties (magnetic, nonmagnetic, aqueous) and brands influence DNA extraction yield and quality.
- To identify the most effective DNA extraction chemistry for different types of fingerprint powders.
Main Methods:
- Tested 23 fingerprint powders from three brands (Lightning, Sirchie, SupraNano).
- Employed Chelex, Promega DNA IQ™, and Applied Biosystems™ PrepFiler™ DNA extraction protocols.
- Assessed DNA yield, quality, degradation, and inhibition using quantification data and PowerPlex™ 21 DNA profiles.
Main Results:
- DNA IQ™ and PrepFiler™ protocols yielded higher DNA quantities and better quality profiles compared to Chelex.
- No significant DNA degradation or PCR inhibition was observed; low yields were attributed to extraction interference.
- Most powders yielded DNA profiles, with only one (Sirchie Magnetic Silver) failing across all methods.
- A correlation was found between DNA extraction chemistry, powder properties (magnetic/nonmagnetic/aqueous), and brand.
- DNA IQ™ was favorable for nonmagnetic powders, while PrepFiler™ was more effective for magnetic powders.
Conclusions:
- The choice of DNA extraction method significantly impacts DNA recovery from fingerprint-dusted samples.
- No single DNA extraction protocol is universally optimal for all fingerprint powder types and brands.
- Screening DNA extraction chemistries against specific fingerprint powders is recommended for forensic casework.
- Understanding the interaction between fingerprint powder properties and extraction chemistry can improve forensic DNA analysis outcomes.
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