The Potential of Cosmetic Applicators as a Source of DNA for Forensic Analysis

• Michael S. Adamowicz ^[1] ; Renáe D. Labonte ^[2] ; John E. Schienman ^[3]
  1. [1] University of New Haven

     University of New Haven

     Town of West Haven, Estados Unidos

     
  2. [2] Bio‐Reference Laboratories Inc. Molecular Pathology Elmwood Park NJ
  3. [3] Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Division of Scientific Services Meriden CT

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• Localización: Journal of forensic sciences, ISSN-e 1556-4029, ISSN 0022-1198, Vol. 60, Nº. 4, 2015, págs. 1001-1011
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • Personal products, such as toothbrushes, have been used as both known reference and evidentiary samples for forensic DNA analysis. This study examined the viability of a broad selection of cosmetic applicators for use as targets for human DNA extraction and short tandem repeat (STR) analysis using standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) conditions. Applicator types included eyeliner smudgers, pencils and crayons, eye shadow sponges, mascara wands, concealer wands, face makeup sponges, pads and brushes, lipsticks and balms, and lip gloss wands. The quantity and quality of DNA extracted from each type of applicator were examined by assessing the number of loci successfully amplified and the peak balance of the heterozygous alleles in each full STR profile. While degraded DNA, stochastic amplification, and PCR inhibition were observed for some items, full STR profiles were developed for 14 of 76 applicators. The face makeup sponge applicators yielded the highest proportional number of full STR profiles (4/7).