Determination of DNA recovery from human teeth exposed to various acids

Forensic sciences encompass a comprehensive application of various scientific disciplines working together to solve crimes. In forensic cases, identification is the primary procedure. Due to the variety of crimes, difficulties can arise in identification. The ability to extract DNA from all types of biological tissues has made DNA analysis one of the most frequently used and reliable methods in identification. Teeth, which are noted for their relatively low degradation over long periods despite exposure to environmental, physical, and chemical factors, and their ability to securely preserve DNA material, are among the most used samples in DNA analysis. With the evolution of crime and methods of concealing it, body integrity-threatening procedures such as exposure to acids are frequently used by perpetrators. However, several studies have shown that DNA can still be recovered from dental samples exposed to various chemicals for specific durations. This study aimed to recover DNA from teeth exposed to strong acids. Dental samples obtained from volunteers were exposed to strong acids, including HCl, HNO₃, and H₂SO₄, for 8, 12, and 120 hours, respectively, with each duration parameter tested separately. Following exposure, DNA isolation was performed, and the amount of DNA was assessed. Samples deemed suitable for identification underwent PCR and electrophoresis to obtain DNA profiles. The results showed that it was possible to successfully obtain a full DNA profile from molars exposed to sulfuric, hydrochloric, and nitric acid for up to 24 h, while it was possible to obtain a partial DNA profile from molars exposed to sulfuric acid for up to 120 h.