Powdered Activated Carbon: An Alternative Approach to Genomic DNA Purification |
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| Authors: | Lucija Barbarić Ph.D. Ivana Bačić B.S. Zorana Grubić Ph.D. |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Ivan Vu?eti? Forensic Science Center, General Police Directorate, Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia, Ilica 335, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;2. Additional information and reprint requests:;3. Lucija Barbari?, Ph.D.;4. Ivan Vu?eti? Forensic Science Center;5. General Police Directorate;6. Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia;7. Ilica 335;8. 10000 Zagreb;9. Croatia;10. E‐mail:;11. Tissue Typing Center, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Ki?pati?eva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia |
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| Abstract: | Forensic evidence samples are routinely found as stains on various substrates, which may contain substances known to inhibit polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The goal of this study was to evaluate post‐Chelex®100 purification using powdered activated carbon (PAC). Mock crime scene DNA extracts were analyzed using quantitative PCR and short tandem repeat (STR) profiling to test the DNA recovery and inhibitor removal using PAC with those of the Amicon®Ultra 100K. For extracted bloodstains on soil and wood substrates, PAC and Amicon®Ultra 100K generated similar DNA yield and quality. Moreover, the two methods significantly decreased the concentration of humic substances and tannins compared to nonpurified extracts (p < 0.001). In instances where extracts contained indigo dye (bloodstains on denim), Amicon®Ultra 100K performed better than PAC due to improved amplifiability. Efficient adsorption of humic substances and tannins, which are common inhibitors, indicates PAC's potential application in the purification of high‐template DNA extracts. |
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| Keywords: | forensic science polymerase chain reaction inhibition powdered activated carbon Amicon® Ultra 100K humic substances tannins |
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