Study of Efficiency Buccal Cell Sampling Using Cotton Bud for Direct PCR and Human Identification DNA Testing

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to study the use of commercially available inexpensive cotton buds instead of using an expensive cotton swab for collecting evidence from buccal epithelial cells DNA samples by preserving an appropriate amount of DNA directly for PCR. DNA extraction with a sodium hydroxide solution was used instead of using a commercial extraction kit. Direct studies of
PCR were undertaken to reduce the processes required for analysis, along with studying the effect of DNA profiles when reducing the quantity of PCR reagents. The results of the research indicate that a collection of buccal epithelial cells with just one round of the cotton bud is sufficient, providing a suitable amount of DNA for further enrichment. DNA by PCR was employed without the need for
DNA dilution as per normal operating procedures. DNA extraction with sodium hydroxide solution at room temperature was also used. This replaces DNA extraction with a relatively inexpensive commercial extraction kit, simplifying the process of DNA extraction and quantification. In addition, when the extracted DNA was put through the PCR process, it gave complete DNA results, reducing
the amount of solution used to 1/4 of the amount recommended by the manufacturer while still capable of yielding results comparable to DNA extracted by standard methods. This provides an option for laboratories with limited budgets, equipment, and chemicals, including disaster situations with restrictions on equipment and chemicals.