Evaluation of a Freezer Mill for Bone Pulverization prior to DNA Extraction: An Improved Workflow for STR Analysis

Journal of Forensic Sciences
Emely Morales ColónTracey Dawson Cruz

Abstract

Traditional methods for bone pulverization typically generate heat, risking stability of DNA sample. SPEX™ has developed cryogenic grinders which introduce liquid nitrogen to cool the sample and aid in the grinding process. In this study, the Freezer Mill 6970 EFM was used with two DNA extraction methods and routine downstream STR analysis procedures. DNA from as little as 0.1 g of bone powder was used to develop full STR profiles after freezer mill pulverization, and the method was reproducible. Further, no contamination was detected upon cleaning/reuse of the sample vials. There were no significant differences in DNA yield, STR alleles detected, or peak heights using the freezer mill as compared to traditional grinding, and successful DNA profiles were achieved from as low as 0.1 g of bone powder with this method. Overall, this work indicates that this cryogenic mill method may be used as a viable alternative to traditional tissue grinders.

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Citations

Mar 28, 2019·Forensic Sciences Research·Krista E Latham, Jessica J Miller
Jun 27, 2021·Science & Justice : Journal of the Forensic Science Society·Meghan MckinnonDenice Higgins
Aug 4, 2021·Forensic Science International : Synergy·Rabiah A RahmatJeremy J Austin

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