NCJ Number
221359
Date Published
January 2008
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study shows the feasibility of using a reagentless, electronic method of detecting hybridization (termed E-DNA) in order to detect identifying DNA and locked nucleic acid (LNA, a more stable, secure nonnatural DNA analog) markers embedded in documents, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and tissue samples.
Abstract
The study found that this approach obtained results within minutes and detected marker levels as low as parts per billion. Also, the molecular markers are stable for long-term storage under ambient conditions. These attributes indicate that the E-DNA-based detection of nucleic acid molecular markers will prove useful in a wide range of forensic applications. The use of molecular markers as physical labels has been widely applied in tasks that range from the forensic identification of explosives, the identification of counterfeit merchandise, and the tracing of ground water. One marking method has focused on the unique coding abilities inherent in natural and nonnatural nucleic acids, such as DNA. To date, however, the use of these markers has been hampered by the relatively cumbersome methods required for the sequence-specific detection of small quantities of DNA embedded in complex, contaminant-ridden samples, along with the marker's relative instability against biological degradation. The E-DNA sensor provides a convenient solution to this problem. This report provides a detailed description of the reagents, the preparation and characterization of E-DNA sensors, and marking and detection. 50 references