Effects of pH on Binding of DNA Using the PrepFiler BTA Forensic DNA Extraction Kit on the AutoMate Express Forensic DNA Extraction System

The extraction method for the recovery of DNA from bone samples at the UNT Center for Human Identification (UNTCHI) Missing Persons Laboratory is both time consuming and laborious. The results of this study show that the AutoMate Express™ can yield both DNA quantity and STR profiles comparable or greater to that of the standard organic extraction method. The incorporation of this automated technology could significantly reduce the time and streamline the process while increasing the amount of genetic information obtained. Based on the results of this study, the use of the AutoMate Express™ for the extraction of DNA from skeletal remains could be very advantageous to UNTCHI DNA analysts.