Using DNA typing methods to identify dental specimens exposed to different environmental conditions

Abstract

The term identification explained the recognition and definition of a person living or dead and to reveal the features that distinguish it from other people. This study presents the findings on the validity and feasibility of DNA extraction analysis on tooth specimens which subjected to different environmental conditions (submerged in sea water, buried underground for some time) and teeth which are burned/ subjected to extreme thermal injury. The motivators behind these is to aid in the STR profiling; identifying individuals to which these specimens belong, and propose a standard for forensics methods for recovered field tissue samples; i.e. teeth. A total sample pool of 88 teeth, irrespective of the level of caries, were processed for DNA isolation and PCR. In the sample preparing phase, the teeth samples were crushed in a standardized method, to be rendered as fine powder. The processed samples underwent DNA isolation through use of a commercial kit. Isolates were amplified with AmpFISTR primers and PCR application method was used to identify the unique marker sequences through amplification of the fragments. According to amplified target locus, 16 STR profile, were calculated the rate of success. Further analysis was made possible by means of statistical methods. The proprietary program used was Matlab Version 7.6.0.324 for each of the sample to ensure consistency and reduce bias in the analysis, calculation and comparative stages in the results. Relevant literature is discussed further to outline the advantages and potential pitfalls of our methods.