sepharose and Drowning

PCR amplification of DNA from forensic samples often proves difficult due to the presence of inhibitors of the polymerase chain reaction. One possible way to remove PCR inhibitors from a DNA extract is the use of the affinity resin thiopropyl sepharose 6B (TS), which has been used previously for the removal of PCR inhibitors in DNA extracts originating from stains on clothing. Here we show that TS is efficient also for the removal of inhibitors from PCR extracts from a highly decomposed human thigh bone. TS treatment, however, leads to a substantial loss of DNA making the technique best suited when substantial amounts of DNA are present.

Topics: DNA; Drowning; Femur; Forensic Sciences; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sepharose