Date of Submission

12-17-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Advisor

Ashley Morgan

Keywords

DNA extraction, skeletal remains, burn, sus scrofa

LCSH

extraction (chemistry), human remains (archaeology), burns and scalds, wild boar

Abstract

This research was designed to compare magnetic particle extraction and silica gel-based extraction efficiencies on unburned (fresh) and burned Sus scrofa bone samples by comparing the QIAamp DNA Investigator Kit and the PrepFiler BTA kit. The QIAamp DNA Investigator Kit for bones and teeth uses a silica-based membrane that binds DNA, allowing for the cleaning and subsequent elution of concentrated DNA. The PrepFiler BTA kit uses magnetic particles to bind DNA instead of a membrane. One benefit of using magnetic particles in the extraction process is the decrease in tube transfers, allowing for less DNA to potentially be lost during tube transfer in each washing step. The minimization of tube transfers was hypothesized to be especially beneficial when extracting DNA from burned remains, as low quantities of DNA were expected due to denaturation and degradation from heat during burning. Sus scrofa trotters (feet) were separated into two treatment conditions, unburned (fresh) and burned. Fresh samples were prepared for extraction within a few days of purchase. Burned samples were prepared in an open burn with wood fuel and burned for approximately 38 minutes. Samples were extracted with both the QIAamp DNA Investigator Kit and the PrepFiler BTA kit. Burned samples could not be statistically evaluated, as no DNA was extracted in any sample. In fresh samples, DNA was detected, and the mean DNA quantities were statistically analyzed to show that there is no significant difference between extraction methods.

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