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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 25, 2025

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"Touch microbiome" as a potential tool for forensic investigation: A pilot study.

Noemi Procopio1, Flavia Lovisolo2, Giulia Sguazzi2

  • 1Forensic Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, NE1 8ST, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine
|August 3, 2021
PubMed
Summary

The "touch microbiome" from human skin can be transferred to surfaces, offering potential forensic markers. This study shows these microbial signatures persist and can aid identification when "touch DNA" is insufficient.

Keywords:
DNA fingerprintingMicrobiomeNext-generation sequencingPersonal identificationSTR analysisTouch DNA

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Science
  • Microbiology
  • Human Genetics

Background:

  • Human skin harbors a diverse microbiome that can be transferred to surfaces, termed the "touch microbiome."
  • This "touch microbiome" has potential as a forensic marker, analogous to "touch DNA."

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the transferability and persistence of the "touch microbiome" on a surface.
  • To assess its utility as a forensic marker, especially when "touch DNA" is not recoverable.

Main Methods:

  • Eleven volunteers provided skin microbiome samples and deposited fingerprints on glass slides.
  • DNA was extracted for human Short Tandem Repeat (STR) profiling and 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V4 region.
  • Samples were analyzed after 30 days of exposure at room temperature.

Main Results:

  • Microbiome profiles were obtained from 20 out of 22 "touch microbiome" samples.
  • STR profiles were successfully typed for 5 out of 22 "touch DNA" samples.
  • Six core skin microbiome taxa and unique donor-specific taxa were identified.

Conclusions:

  • The "touch microbiome" is transferable and persistent on surfaces, demonstrating potential for forensic identification.
  • Unique microbial taxa may serve as valuable forensic intelligence, particularly when "touch DNA" analysis fails.
  • Further research with larger datasets and varied surfaces is needed to confirm forensic applicability.