title: Efficiency of a novel forensic room-temperature DNA storage medium.
abstract: The success of forensic genetics has led to considerable numbers of DNA samples that must be stored. Thus, the ability to preserve the integrity of forensic samples is essential. The possibility of retesting these samples after many years should be guaranteed. DNA storage typically requires the use of freezers. Recently, a new method that enables DNA to be stored at room temperature was developed. This technology is based on the principles of anhydrobiosis and thus permits room-temperature storage of DNA. This study evaluates the ability of this technology to preserve DNA samples mimicking true mixture casework samples for long periods of time. Mixed human DNA from 2 or 3 persons and at low concentrations was dried and stored for a period ranging from 6 months to 2 years in the presence of a desiccant. The quality of the stored DNA was evaluated based on quantitative peak height results from Short Tandem Repeat (STR) genotyping and the number of observed alleles. Furthermore, we determined whether this matrix has a potential inhibitory or enhancing effect on the PCR genotyping reactions. In our previous work, we demonstrated the considerable potential of this new technology. The present study complements our previous work. Our results show that after 2 years of aging at room temperature, there is a decrease in the number of observed alleles and in the peak height of these alleles.
authors: National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology, Chaussée de Vilvoorde 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium. Electronic address: christophe.frippiat@just.fgov.be.
authors: Christophe
authors: C
authors: Frippiat
authors: National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology, Chaussée de Vilvoorde 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium.
authors: Fabrice
authors: F
authors: Noel
mesh_terms: D000483:Alleles; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis*; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011309:Preservation, Biological / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D004247:DNA
keywords: Anhydrobiosis; DNA; Long term; Matrix; Storage