Characterization of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Obtained from Teeth Subjected to Various Environmental Conditions

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the effects of various environmental factors on the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) obtained from dental pulp. Extracted teeth were subjected to the following conditions: varying pH (3.7, 10); temperature (4°C, 25°C, 37°C, incineration); humidity (20%, 66%, 98%); various types of soil (sand, potting soil, garden soil); seawater; burying the teeth outdoors, and aging (one week to six months). In addition, teeth that had been extracted and held at room temperature for 16 and 19 years were also examined. Following isolation of DNA, the samples were analyzed on yield gels to determine the concentration and integrity of the recovered DNA. Restriction digestion with Pst I was followed by electrophoresis of the generated fragments, Southern transfer to nylon membranes, and hybridization to both human and bacterial probes. It was determined that, aside from soil, the environmental conditions examined did not affect the ability to obtain high-molecular-weight human DNA from dental pulp. Restriction fragment length polymorphic (RFLP) analysis of selected samples was performed. Dental pulp patterns were compared with bloodstain exemplars, revealing matching patterns, although an increase in band-shifting was observed with extended exposure to elevated temperatures.

A look at forensic dentistry – Part 1: The role of teeth in the determination of human identity

“…47 When conventional dental identification methods fail, this biological material can provide the necessary link to prove identity. 48 With the advent of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a technique that allows amplification of DNA at pre-selected, specific sites, this source of evidence is becoming increasingly popular with investigators.…”

Modern Tools in Forensic Dentistry- A Review of Its Literature.

“…[6] When conventional dental identification methods fail, this biological material can provide the necessary link to prove identity. [7] With the advent of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a technique that allows amplification of DNA at preselected, specific sites, this source of evidence is becoming increasingly popular with investigators.…”

Use of DNA Technology in Forensic Dentistry

“…The environmental influence on the concentration, integrity and recovery of DNA extracted from dental pulps has been previously measured by Schwartz et al [24]. The authors varied the pH (3.7 and 10.0), temperature (4ºC, 25ºC, 37ºC and tooth incineration), humidity (20, 66 and 98%), type of the soil in which the teeth were buried (sand, potting soil, garden soil, submersion in water and burying outdoors) and periods of inhumation (one week to six months).…”