Testing a new PCR array for forensic DNA recovery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Validating DNA recovery and a new PCR array for different soil types, clothing materials and time periods.
IRAS ID
194953
Contact name
Fiona Myers
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Portsmouth
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 30 days
Research summary
The recovery of human DNA from buried material plays an important role in forensic investigation. Typically exhumed DNA is analysed using a laboratory procedure called the "Polymerase chain reaction" (PCR). Briefly, an array of short human DNA fragments (called primers) are incubated with the recovered DNA, and a signal is measured that can be used to identify the extracted DNA. The major complicating factor for the success of PCR identification is the underground environment that the samples came from (soil type, environment type etc.).
This project seeks to assess the efficacy of a new primer array for detecting human DNA recovered from controlled forensic environments. We will purchase human blood (1 ml) from a commercial supplier (Alba Biosciences), apply it to two types of common clothing material (polyester and denim), and then bury samples in two different soil types along with a rabbit corpse to simulate natural decomposition. Samples will be recovered at a number of time-points and the effectiveness of the new PCR array for detecting human DNA determined.
REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/2059
Date of REC Opinion
24 Nov 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion