Improved DNA extraction from marine bones: A 15-year retrospective evaluation using an adapted Dabney extraction...

Area of Science:

• Forensic genetics
• Molecular biology
• Bioarchaeology

Background:

• DNA extraction from bone, particularly aged or environmentally compromised samples, presents significant challenges in forensic genetics.
• Marine bone samples from the Baltic and North Seas are regularly analyzed using molecular methods at our institute.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve DNA extraction efficiency from challenging marine bone samples.
• To evaluate a newly introduced adapted extraction method for its effectiveness in forensic bone analysis.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 82 marine bone samples analyzed between 2009-2024 was performed.
• Samples were re-extracted using a modified Dabney method, and results were compared to previous analyses.

Main Results:

• The adapted Dabney method successfully re-extracted DNA from 18 samples (22%), yielding significantly higher DNA concentrations (up to 98-fold increase).
• DNA profiling quality improved substantially, with 41% complete profiles compared to 12% with the previous method.
• Baltic Sea bones were better preserved externally but had more biofouling than North Sea bones.

Conclusions:

• The adapted Dabney method is more effective for DNA extraction from marine bones.
• This method offers a superior alternative to commonly used forensic extraction techniques for challenging bone samples.