Highlights
- •Post-detonation touch DNA samples analysed by post-extraction PCR and direct PCR.
- •Full DNA profiles generated from post-detonation IED samples using direct PCR.
- •Little to no movement of cells observed due to the detonation process.
- •The type of exhibit analysed impacts the likelihood of obtaining a DNA profile.
Abstract
Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) present a number of challenges in terms of the
generation of forensically relevant information. Inhibition to PCR from sub-optimal
sample types as well as from specific substrates has historically meant that extraction
prior to PCR has been required. Improvements to STR kit buffers lead to the successful
introduction of direct PCR to the analysis of IED-relevant samples, however none of
these samples have been exposed to detonations. This study presents data to support
the use of direct PCR in the analysis of IED components post-detonation. VeriFiler™
Plus generated informative profiles, containing ≥ 12 autosomal alleles, from samples
touched for a maximum of 15 s that were then exposed to a detonation from plastic
explosive placed as close as 100 mm. Of the 37 recovered touched items or fragments,
28 contained autosomal alleles from the donor with 18 (49 %) presenting informative
profiles that matched the DNA donor. This compared with results following STR PCR
post-extraction with one of 11 amplified post-detonation touch DNA samples being informative.
The use of Diamond™ Nucleic Acid Dye (DD) staining and visualisation before and after
detonation allowed for analysis as to cell loss or damage as a result of the detonation
itself and aided in the triaging of samples to be selected for DNA profiling. This
is the first record of cellular visualisation and comparison before and after detonation
with accompanying STR results on a range of sample types typical of IED constituents.
Following comparison of DD visualised cells and STR amplification success, chemical
analysis of plastic and electrical tape samples supported substrate-specific inhibition.
These data represent the first instance of informative DNA profiles being produced
from post-detonation samples using direct PCR, as close as 100 mm from the charge.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 29, 2020
Accepted:
January 27,
2020
Received in revised form:
December 22,
2019
Received:
November 7,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
