An investigation into methods to produce artificially degraded DNA

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate different methods of artificially inducing DNA degradation with the purpose of producing a stock of compromised DNA with properties mimicking those found in crime scene samples. Blood samples, cigarette ends and chewing gum samples were collected for examination. UV light, humidity and temperature were investigated as degradation agents. A number of different extraction techniques were investigated. DNA profiles were generated using the AmpF l STR® SGM Plus® PCR Amplification Kit (Applied Biosystems). UV light caused a clear ‘drop-out’ of heavier alleles. This increased as exposure to UV light increased. Cigarette analysis yielded inconsistent results but partial profiles were produced that could assist in excluding a suspect. Chewing gum was an excellent material for obtaining profiles. Full profiles were obtained even after exposure to 30 h of sunlight. Humidity degradation experiments seemed to produce the most controlled method of degradation. The performance of different extraction techniques varied according to the extent of degradation.