Tissue storage solution for preservation and transfer of forensic specimen in high ambient-temperature

Abstract

Storage of tissue samples in high ambient-temperature can affect the quality of forensic evidence. Experiments were conducted to investigate the potential use of 3 tissue storage solutions for the preservation and transfer of forensic specimen in high ambient temperature conditions, i.e., DMSO, Longmire’s buffer, and trehalose solution. Results showed that DNA in tissue was best preserved in DMSO buffer. Samples preserved in Longmire’s buffer gave DNA analysis results for temperatures up to 60 °C, however, amplification between replications were not reproducible. For those tissue samples preserved in trehalose solution, DNA markers larger than 300 bp were absent, and irreproducible amplification results were detected at a higher level when the storage temperature increased, and storage time was over 2 weeks. Tissue storage condition at high temperature over 1 week is not recommended. Experimental results here provided an alternative collection and preservation method for tissue samples at ambient temperature (without cold-storage) for subsequent DNA analysis. These can potentially be implemented in forensic biological evidence collection, preservation and transfer in hot climates.