The killer outfit and timing: Impact of the fabric and time in body fluid identification and DNA profiling

Abstract

The present work aimed to study the detection, through lateral flow immunochromatographic (LFI) tests, of saliva samples over time in three different types of fabrics, as well as, the possibility of DNA isolation and characterization from the sample tubes and the cassettes. Fifty microliters of saliva (three samples/time) were deposited in denim, cotton, and polyester. Saliva was identified by SERATEC® Amylase Test and the Crime Scene version SALIVA CS, being able to detect it up to six months of deposition, although with different band intensities. Polyester showed stronger bands than cotton, probably due to its synthetic nature, and denim, as an inked fabric, showed less band intensities. Statistical analyses confirmed significant differences among fabrics, but not over time in the same type of fabric. Total DNA from the sample tubes was successfully recovered, in contrast, from the cassettes, only polyester retrieved amplifiable DNA. These findings indicated that it is possible to recover and identify saliva up to six months after deposition, also obtaining DNA. Future research will be able to expand these results, analyzing the stability of other body fluids, and the sensitivity of lateral flow immunochromatographic tests to detect them.