Preliminary Investigation of a Potential Optical Biosensor Using the Diamond™ Nucleic Acid Dye Applied to DNA and...

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Biotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Scientific evidence is increasingly vital in legal proceedings.
• Current forensic methods analyze DNA and fingerprints as separate traces.
• Interdisciplinary approaches can enhance evidence examination procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a merged analysis of DNA and dactyloscopic (fingerprint) traces.
• To investigate the use of Diamond™ Nucleic Acid Dye for simultaneous analysis.
• To enhance personal identification methods in forensic investigations.

Main Methods:

• Spectroscopic studies (absorption and emission spectra).
• Fluorescence microscopy.
• Application of Diamond™ Nucleic Acid Dye to dactyloscopic traces containing DNA.

Main Results:

• Diamond™ Nucleic Acid Dye effectively visualizes fingerprints on non-absorbent surfaces.
• The dye facilitates the detection of DNA within fingerprint traces.
• Combined analysis of DNA and fingerprint data from a single trace is feasible.

Conclusions:

• Merging DNA and fingerprint analysis from a single trace significantly increases evidential value.
• Diamond™ Nucleic Acid Dye is a versatile tool for both DNA detection and fingerprint visualization.
• This integrated approach can lead to the development of innovative, fast-acting optical biosensors for forensic applications.