Forensic Scientists work in context with the law and various fields of science to bring about justice through different avenues including analyzing evidence collected at crime scenes. One of the most notorious aspects of forensic science that is a relatively new development is the analysis of DNA evidence. Currently DNA is attempted to be lifted from all manners of things including clothing, cell phones, doors, and so much more. This DNA that is collected through a wet-swabbing technique is then run through an extraction protocol in a device like the one used in this experiment, the EZ1. This device works through magnetic-particle technology resulting in high-quality DNA. This happens through the isolation of DNA from lysates due to binding to the silica surface of the particles in the proximity of chaotropic salt. These particles are then separated from the lysates using a magnate. The DNA is then washed and eluted in TE buffer in an elution volume of 50 microliters (in the case of this research). Prior to this, the DNA samples are mixed with various reagents and then shook overnight before proceeding to the extraction process.

Ultimately what was researched in this case was how different shaking times result in how much DNA is yielded from the samples taken. Samples were taken using a sterile cotton swab and DI water in increments of six from four different sources. These sources included face masks, exterior door handles, phones, and car steering wheels. These cotton swabs were then cut into thirds for the three different time frames tested, 4 hours, 8 hours, and overnight. Each sample was added to an erase tube where 290 microliters of 1:1 diluted G2 buffer was added along with 10 microliters of Protease K. After adding the reagents to the tube with the sample the tubes were vortexed and then shook for their designated time. After running for either 4 hours, 8 hours, or overnight spin baskets were added, and the cotton piece of the sample was added to the erase basket before being centrifuged for 5 minutes. To the liquid at the bottom of the tube, 400 microliters of MTL Buffer and 6 microliters of cDNA was added before being ran in the EZ1 extraction protocol (looking for trace DNA). After each sample is run, the samples will be taken to the St. Louis Crime Lab where they will be tested for amount of DNA actually yielded. Although I have no results as of yet, it will be expected that the most DNA will come from the 24-hour run with the least amount of DNA from the 4-hour run.

Daria would like to thank Erik Hall for this opportunity and for being so influential in her college career.