How Possible is it to Recover Semen DNA from Laundered Cotton and Polyester Fabrics?

Abstract

Background: A key element of forensic genetics is the ability to remove DNA from semen stain. Using
various laundering conditions to remove semen stain is a routinely faced forensic problem Objective: This
study was conducted to evaluate the possibility of detection of semen DNA in different types of fabrics
after being washed. Method: Semen samples were applied to cotton and polyester clothes. After drying,
the clothes were submitted to washing in water at room temperature, in water at 50°C temperature and
in detergent at room temperature. DNA extraction was done to estimate the quantity of extracted DNA
by spectrophotometer. Results: Different DNA quantities still could be detected after washing. There was
highly statistical significant decrease (P ? 0.001) in the amount of extracted DNA in all group samples (after
washing) compared to control group. Washing by detergent proved to have the most destructive effect on the
DNA stains on clothes followed by washing by water at 500
C while washing by water at room temperature
showed the highest recovery of DNA in clothes. The amount of the DNA detected in cotton samples before
washing was higher than the amount detected in polyester samples before washing