Abstract
The ability to properly collect, analyze and preserve biological stains is important
to preserving the integrity of forensic evidence. Stabilization of intact biological
evidence in cells and the DNA extracts from them is particularly important since testing
is generally not performed immediately following collection. Furthermore, retesting
of stored DNA samples may be needed in casework for replicate testing, confirmation
of results, and to accommodate future testing with new technologies.
A novel room temperature DNA storage medium, SampleMatrix™ (SM; Biomatrica, Inc.,
San Diego, CA), was evaluated for stabilizing and protecting samples. Human genomic
DNA samples at varying amounts (0.0625–200 ng) were stored dry in SM for 1 day to 1 year under varying conditions that included
a typical ambient laboratory environment and also through successive freeze–thaw cycles
(3 cycles). In addition, spiking of 1–4× SM into samples prior to analysis was performed
to determine any inhibitory effects of SM. Quantification of recovered DNA following
storage was determined by quantitative PCR or by agarose gel electrophoresis, and
evaluation of quantitative peak height results from multiplex short tandem repeat
(STR) analyses were performed to assess the efficacy of SM for preserving DNA.
Results indicate no substantial differences between the quality of samples stored
frozen in liquid and those samples maintained dry at ambient temperatures protected
in SM. For long-term storage and the storage of low concentration samples, SM provided
a significant advantage over freezer storage through higher DNA recovery. No detectable
inhibition of amplification was observed at the recommended SM concentration and complete
profiles were obtained from genomic DNA samples even in the presence of higher than
recommended concentrations of the SM storage medium. The ability to stabilize and
protect DNA from degradation at ambient temperatures for extended time periods could
have tremendous impact in simplifying and improving sample storage conditions and
requirements. The current work focuses on forensics analysis; however this technology
is applicable to all endeavors requiring storage of DNA.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 16, 2011
Accepted:
January 17,
2011
Received in revised form:
December 21,
2010
Received:
November 15,
2009
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
