Abstract
STR profiling from both pre-blast and post-blast IED evidence are generally unsuccessful due to the low-level of DNA present and high level of degradation. Previous studies have improved the number of alleles recovered by focusing on both the DNA collection process and the downstream processes of DNA extraction and amplification; however, direct PCR has never been used with touch DNA on IED evidence. In this study, we optimized a direct PCR protocol for touch DNA profiling from two IED substrates (PVC pipe and circuit board). Two swab types with various moistening agents and one type of tapelift were compared as the collection methods Different amounts of cutting from swab heads and tapes were evaluated. Two direct PCR protocols – the direct protocol and the pre-PCR protocol – were performed. As expected, different substrates required different collection methods for optimal DNA recovery and amplification. The direct protocol recovered significantly more alleles than the pre-PCR protocol (p<0.05). IED substrates collected using EO cotton swab with PBS yielded the best STR profiles. The findings of this study suggest that direct STR typing could be used for IED evidence, provided that an appropriate, optimal DNA collection method is used.
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