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Czado N, Houston R, Hughes S. Evaluation of metal ions and DNA recovery from the surface of fired and unfired brass ammunition to improve STR profiling. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:1265-1272. [PMID: 38433135 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03200-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Interest in recovering DNA from the surface of ammunition evidence for genotyping has increased over the past few years. Numerous studies have examined a variety of methods to maximize DNA recovery from these types of challenging samples, but successful DNA profiling has been inconsistent. Low amounts of DNA and PCR inhibition due to metal ions have been suggested as the leading causes of poor results; however, no study quantitatively examined the presence of metal ions at various stages of the DNA analysis workflow from DNA collection through to amplification. In this study, the effectiveness of six different DNA collection and purification methods commonly used by forensic laboratories to process brass ammunition for DNA evidence was investigated. The amount of copper, zinc, and other metals co-recovered from fired and unfired brass casings during DNA collection (using numerous soaking, swabbing, and direct PCR protocols) was quantified via Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). This same panel of metals was subsequently quantified after DNA lysis and purification steps. Results demonstrated that low amounts of DNA, DNA damage, and degradation are more detrimental to STR typing results than PCR inhibition, as metal ions were successfully removed by all DNA purification methods tested. Furthermore, the use of metal ion chelators increased the amount of DNA recovered and number of reportable STR alleles. This research informs the forensic community on the most effective way to collect and process trace amounts of biological material from brass ammunition and similar evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Czado
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, 1003 Bowers Blvd, Huntsville, TX, USA
| | - Rachel Houston
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, 1003 Bowers Blvd, Huntsville, TX, USA
| | - Sheree Hughes
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, 1003 Bowers Blvd, Huntsville, TX, USA.
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2
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Bonsu DNO, Higgins D, Simon C, Henry JM, Austin JJ. Metal-DNA interactions: Exploring the impact of metal ions on key stages of forensic DNA analysis. Electrophoresis 2024; 45:779-793. [PMID: 37638716 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Forensic DNA analysis continues to be hampered by the complex interactions between metals and DNA. Metal ions may cause direct DNA damage, inhibit DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification or both. This study evaluated the impact of metal ions on DNA extraction, quantitation, and short tandem repeat profiling using cell-free and cellular (saliva) DNA. Of the 11 metals assessed, brass exhibited the strongest PCR inhibitory effects, for both custom and Quantifiler Trio quantitation assays. Metal ion inhibition varied across the two quantitative PCR assays and the amount of DNA template used. The Quantifiler Trio internal PCR control (IPC) only revealed evidence of PCR inhibition at higher metal ion concentrations, limiting the applicability of IPC as an indicator of the presence of metal inhibitor in a sample. Notably, ferrous ions were found to significantly decrease the extraction efficiency of the DNA-IQ DNA extraction system. The amount of DNA degradation and inhibition in saliva samples caused by metal ions increased with a dilution of the sample, suggesting that the saliva matrix provides protection from metal ion effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Nana Osei Bonsu
- Chemistry and Forensic Science, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
- Forensic Research Group, Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD), School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Denice Higgins
- Forensic Research Group, Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD), School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- School of Dentistry, Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Claire Simon
- Forensic Science SA, Attorney-General's Department, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Julianne M Henry
- Forensic Science SA, Attorney-General's Department, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jeremy J Austin
- Forensic Research Group, Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD), School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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3
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Oefelein R, Cresswell S, Matheson C, Jean-Louis T. Overall Proportion of Total DNA Consistent with an Individual Briefly Handling a Firearm. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2127. [PMID: 38136949 PMCID: PMC10743288 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In forensic investigations, DNA profiles are routinely obtained from firearms evidence and alternative hypotheses may be proposed for consideration on the activity level. DNA profiles found to be consistent with the DNA profile of a specific individual could be a result of directly handling the firearm or other modes of transfer of DNA. Sixteen law-enforcement-owned firearms were evaluated with samples collected from the frame and slide area, the trigger and trigger guard area, and the front and rear sights after brief handling by laboratory personnel. Twenty-two out of forty-eight samples resulted in DNA profiles suitable for comparison, of which six resulted in likelihood ratios (LR) that demonstrated support for the hypothesis that included the brief handler as a contributor to the DNA profile obtained from the sample. Five of these samples were obtained from the frame and slide and one was from the trigger and trigger guard area. None of the DNA profiles obtained from the sights supported the inclusion of the brief handler as a contributor to the DNA profile. Gaining knowledge and supporting data on the nature of DNA profiles typically obtained from both owners and brief handlers can be useful for the purposes of evaluative reporting when considering results obtained from firearm evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Oefelein
- DNA Labs International, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441, USA; (R.O.); (T.J.-L.)
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia;
| | - Sarah Cresswell
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia;
| | - Carney Matheson
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia;
| | - Tania Jean-Louis
- DNA Labs International, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441, USA; (R.O.); (T.J.-L.)
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McElhoe J, Mandracchia T, Bille T, Holland M. Impact of storage conditions and time on DNA yield from ammunition cartridges. Int J Legal Med 2023:10.1007/s00414-023-03018-w. [PMID: 37237149 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03018-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Recovery of suitable amounts of DNA from ammunition cartridges for short tandem repeat (STR) or mitochondrial (mt) DNA analysis has been a challenge for crime laboratories. The metal composition of cartridge cases and projectiles exposes the DNA to harmful ions that damage and ultimately degrade the DNA such that it cannot be effectively amplified. The current study assessed the impact of time and storage conditions on touch DNA deposited on cartridge components of varying metal content: aluminum, nickel, brass, and copper. Elevated humidity levels facilitated greater DNA degradation and loss compared to low humidity (or "dry") conditions, indicating that recovered cartridge component evidence should be stored in a low-humidity environment immediately after collection, preferably with a desiccant. As expected, a relationship was observed between the amount of time elapsed since the cartridge components were handled and the associated DNA yield. Interestingly, while yields dropped considerably in the first 48-96 h post-handling, regardless of the storage conditions, a layering effect was observed that helps maintain a relatively constant level of surface DNA over extended periods of time. An apparent layering effect was also observed on cartridge components following multiple surface depositions, where yields were two times higher than single deposition samples at similar timepoints. Overall, these findings suggest that storage conditions and a layering affect play an important role in the preservation of DNA on ammunition components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer McElhoe
- Forensic Science Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, 014 Thomas Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Therese Mandracchia
- Forensic Science Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, 014 Thomas Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Todd Bille
- United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, National Laboratory Center, 6000 Ammendale Road, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Mitchell Holland
- Forensic Science Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, 014 Thomas Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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Kaesler T, Kirkbride KP, Linacre A. Improvements, factors, and influences on DNA recovery from firearms. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 65:102873. [PMID: 37094516 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2023.102873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Touch DNA recovery from firearms can be central to many criminal investigations, yet the generation of DNA profiles from these items remains poor. Currently in Australia, published casework data highlights extremely poor DNA success from samples recovered from firearms. Only between 5% and 25% of samples result in useful DNA data and therefore increasing the success of DNA recovered from firearms is highly important but has not yet been explored in-depth. This study focused on increasing the recovery of DNA from ten firearm components that were held for 15 s. Multiple recovery methods were used, and the resulting genetic data compared. DNA evidence may be deliberately removed from firearms after discharge to hamper forensic investigations, therefore this study examined the effect of wiping down the components or handling them with gloves. A standard double swab and rinse swab recovery method resulted in an average of 73% cellular recovery. A cumulative swab process had the highest average recovery at 86%, although it was found that increasing the DNA yield led to an increase in mixture complexity. Wiping over the components was observed to remove on average 69% of cellular material, compared with 33% when handed with gloves. However, the size and texture of the components affected the efficiency of cellular material removal. The results from this study allow for prioritisation of areas to sample on firearms, as well as suggesting techniques that can be applied for the optimum process of cellular recovery and subsequent generation of STR DNA data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd Kaesler
- College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, South Australia, Australia.
| | - K Paul Kirkbride
- College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, South Australia, Australia
| | - Adrian Linacre
- College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, South Australia, Australia
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Stella CJ, Meakin GE, van Oorschot RA. DNA transfer in packaging: Attention required. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL GENETICS SUPPLEMENT SERIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2022.10.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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7
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Czado N, Houston R, Hughes S. Comparison of metal ions recovered during DNA analysis of brass ammunition and effects of copper and zinc ions on DNA profiling. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL GENETICS SUPPLEMENT SERIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2022.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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8
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Elwick K, Gauthier Q, Rink S, Cropper E, Kavlick MF. Recovery of DNA from fired and unfired cartridge casings: comparison of two DNA collection methods. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2022; 59:102726. [PMID: 35660851 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
For over 10 years, various studies have attempted to increase the recovery of DNA from ammunition by modifying the DNA collection, extraction, purification, and amplification procedures, with varying levels of success. This study focused on the "soaking" method of Montpetit & O'Donnell [1] and the "rinse-and-swab" method of Bille et al. [2]. First, testing for the presence of exogenous DNA, 210 boxed cartridges (brass, steel, and nickel-plated) from nine manufacturers were swabbed and DNA was extracted, concentrated, and quantified. Extracts that quantified > 0 ng/µL (44 of 210) were amplified and genotyped with GlobalFiler™. Of those, only one extract yielded two alleles indicating that the manufacturing and packaging of ammunition was virtually DNA free. Next, to obtain a baseline comparison of two DNA collection methods on a non-metallic substrate and identify a suitable number of cells to spot on cartridges, different DNA input amounts of primary human adult epidermal keratinocytes (HEKa) were tested. Thereafter, 300 brass and 300 nickel-plated, cartridges were spotted with HEKa cells containing ~5 ng of DNA, fired or unfired, and processed with either method. Finally, five methods representing hybrids of the soaking and rinse-and-swab methods were tested to determine if variations of those methods could be used to increase DNA yield and recovery. The results show that the soaking method consistently yielded more DNA than the rinse-and-swab method from a non-metallic substrate. However, the comparison study demonstrated that both methods performed comparably for cartridges. On average, the soaking method recovered 0.25 ng of DNA (5.1% recovery) and the rinse-and-swab method recovered 0.28 ng (5.8% recovery). However, average recoveries were significantly different among three analysts and considerable variation in yields were observed, possibly due to storage time. Furthermore, consistent with prior reports, the DNA recovered from brass casings was only 16% of that recovered from nickel-plated casings and the average yield of DNA from fired casings was reduced to 67% of unfired casings. Moreover, DNA extracts from brass or nickel-plated casings did not appear to contain amplification inhibitors and only 30/596 appeared severely degraded. Finally, both the published rinse-and-swab and soaking methods yielded more DNA than all modifications of the two methods. Overall, both methods yielded equivalent DNA quantities. Additionally, recovery of DNA from any given cartridge casing may be dependent on storage time as well as the skill, proficiency, and experience of the analyst and may reflect stochastic effects, particularly for casings containing low copy and/or degraded DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyleen Elwick
- Visiting Scientist Program, Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory Division, Research and Support Unit, 2501 Investigation Parkway, Quantico, VA 22135, USA
| | - Quentin Gauthier
- Visiting Scientist Program, Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory Division, Research and Support Unit, 2501 Investigation Parkway, Quantico, VA 22135, USA
| | - Stephanie Rink
- Visiting Scientist Program, Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory Division, Research and Support Unit, 2501 Investigation Parkway, Quantico, VA 22135, USA
| | - Emily Cropper
- Visiting Scientist Program, Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory Division, Research and Support Unit, 2501 Investigation Parkway, Quantico, VA 22135, USA
| | - Mark F Kavlick
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory Division, Research and Support Unit, 2501 Investigation Parkway, Quantico, VA 22135, USA.
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9
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Prasad E, Atwood L, van Oorschot RAH, McNevin D, Barash M, Raymond J. Trace DNA recovery rates from firearms and ammunition as revealed by casework data. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2021.1939783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisha Prasad
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical & Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lauren Atwood
- Science and Research Unit, Forensic Evidence & Technical Services Command, NSW Police Force, Level 5, Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills, Australia
| | - Roland A. H. van Oorschot
- Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Office of the Chief Forensic Scientist, Macleod, Australia
- School of Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Dennis McNevin
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical & Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Barash
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical & Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Justice Studies, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Raymond
- Science and Research Unit, Forensic Evidence & Technical Services Command, NSW Police Force, Level 5, Sydney Police Centre, Surry Hills, Australia
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Jansson L, Forsberg C, Akel Y, Dufva C, Ansell C, Ansell R, Hedman J. Factors affecting DNA recovery from cartridge cases. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2020; 48:102343. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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11
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Martin B, Linacre A. Direct PCR: A review of use and limitations. Sci Justice 2020; 60:303-310. [PMID: 32650932 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Martin
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Adrian Linacre
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, SA 5042, Australia
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