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Optimization of InnoXtract (TM) extraction and purification system for DNA extraction from skeletal samples

NCJ Number
307463
Journal
International Journal of Legal Medicine Dated: 2023 Pages: 949-959
Author(s)
Jennifer Snedeker; Sheree Hughes; Rachel Houston
Date Published
2023
Length
11 pages
Annotation

This article describes the InnoXtract™ extraction and purification system, a purification method designed for DNA extraction from low-template samples, specifically rootless hair shafts, which successfully purified sufficient amounts of quality DNA from a variety of skeletal samples to produce complete STR profiles.

Abstract

The InnoXtract™ extraction and purification system, a purification method designed for DNA extraction from low-template samples, specifically rootless hair shafts, successfully purified sufficient amounts of quality DNA from a variety of skeletal samples to produce complete STR profiles. Successful STR typing from surface decomposition, burned, cremated, buried, and embalmed remains indicates the potential of this new method for challenging human identification and missing-person cases. Its ability to successfully capture highly fragmented DNA suggests its suitability for use with other challenging sample types, including skeletal remains. However, the lysis and digestion parameters required modifications to successfully optimize the method for this sample type. A two-part digestion was developed utilizing a homebrew digestion buffer (0.5 M EDTA, 0.05% Tween 20, and 100 mM NaCl) and a supplemental lysis with the Hair Digestion Buffer included in the InnoXtract™ kit. Additionally, the magnetic bead volume was modified to improve DNA recovery from these challenging samples. With the altered protocol, the quality and quantity of DNA recovered from InnoXtract™ extracts were comparable to another commercial skeletal extraction method (PrepFiler™ BTA). (Published Abstract Provided)