Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-10-2025
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
First Advisor
Eden Tanner
Second Advisor
Kerri Scott
Third Advisor
Mahmoud A. ElSohly
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
DNA extraction is a crucial aspect in the field of forensics that uses DNA evidence to uncover the truth behind crimes. The extraction of DNA from samples is not only important because it is the first step in the DNA analysis process, but because in order to gather a full DNA profile on an individual, proper extraction must be performed. There are various DNA extraction techniques used currently today in forensic DNA labs; however, many of these techniques require the use of harmful chemicals, which can be toxic towards the DNA analyst performing the extraction and the environment itself. It is also extremely important that the DNA extraction method used resists DNA degradation and microbial effects, which can damage and even destroy viable DNA samples meant for analysis.
In this project, ionic liquids were used in the DNA extraction technique in order to provide a more sustainable, safe, and accurate way to extract DNA from blood samples. To test whether ionic liquids act as appropriate extraction agents for DNA, six different ionic liquids were used to extract DNA from blood samples where the concentration and integrity of extracted DNA was then measured using Nanodrop and CD, respectively. Next, to test the antimicrobial properties of the ionic liquids used, the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus was cultured in a petri dish and the ionic liquids were added in order to measure the zone of inhibition. The length of the ZOI is directly proportional to the strength of bacterial resistance. Lastly, as a way to emulate a forensic case, the extraction procedure was performed again but by using gauze that was soaked in blood, which mimics an article of clothing left at a crime scene. The concentration of the extracted DNA was then measured again in order to determine the success of the experiment.
When looking at the results of the experiments, it can be determined that ionic liquids do not hinder DNA extraction and can be considered great antimicrobial agents. However, the results from the forensic application experiment did not reveal successful extraction of DNA from the blood-soaked gauze due to factors such as contamination from the purchased gauze.
Recommended Citation
Sperier, Camille G., "Evaluation of DNA Extraction in the Presence of Ionic Liquids for Forensic Science Applications" (2025). Honors Theses. 3261.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3261
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.