Browsing by Author "Bennett, Phil"

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    Development of new tools for forensic analysis of DNA from compromised bone
    (Cranfield University, 2011) Fredericks, Jamie; Williams, A.; Bennett, Phil
    Skeletal tissue is an invaluable source of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) for the generation of an individual specific profile, as it is often the only source of DNA available for identification. Like all forensic samples, skeletal tissue can be exposed to a variety of environmental insults, which can affect the potential of successfully generating a useable DNA profile. Excessive temperatures and unfavourable water conditions are two factors that can influence DNA degradation. There has been very little research into the amplification of DNA from bone compromised by such environmental factors. Studies have often lacked appropriate controls or were based on case reports where accurate details concerning exposure conditions would not be known. To date, DNA-based identification from badly decomposed remains has often been reliant on the use of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which exists within cells in much higher copy number than nuclear DNA (nDNA). Mitochondrial DNA is inherited through the maternal line; so all offspring from a particular female will share the same mtDNA. This reduces the specificity of identifications made using mtDNA, as matrilineal relatives cannot be distinguished from one another. Nuclear DNA profiling of such samples would greatly improve the reliability of identification. Using both human and animal bone, this study focused upon characterising the physical and material properties of bone that have endured decaying processes of either water submersion or heat treatment. Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, microhardness and colourimetry were used to report a comprehensive study into the effect these compromising factors had on collagen, mineral and the physical and morphological properties of bone. A number of properties correlated with the subsequent success or failure of nDNA amplification and produced a diagnostic tool that could predict the probability that nDNA analysis would be a viable option for identification purposes. This study has developed several diagnostic tools that would aid nDNA analysis from compromised bone. They would not only save time and money, but would increase the overall success rate of DNA profiling.