DNA purity and concentration analysis from toothpick as the evidence for forensic examination

Introduction: : DNA evidence has been set as the forensic standard for investigating and resolving various crimes such as murder, mutilation, and other major crimes. The orofacial region is a good source for DNA analysis. Toothpicks are recommended by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia to clean teeth gaps. Objects at the crime scene and their surroundings have a meaning in the examination of forensic identification, especially those which are used by the perpetrator or victim for the last time. This study aims to analyze DNA purity and concentration in toothpicks. Methods: Samples were obtained from eight female volunteers who still have complete permanent teeth. Volunteers were instructed to eat fibrous food and drink water before cleaning the gaps between the second premolar and first molar in all teeth region with a toothpick. DNA in the toothpicks are extracted to obtained DNA purity and concentration. Results: The lowest DNA purity was 1.069 μg/μl and the highest was 1.265 μg/μl. The average level of DNA purity in toothpicks was 1.164 μg/μl. The lowest DNA concentration value was 150.5 μg/μl while the highest value was 381.5 μg/μl. The average value of DNA concentration in toothpicks was 245.87 μg/μl. Conclusion: The number of DNA purity and concentration of toothpicks is qualified for a stage PCR, where PCR amplification technology is an ideal method in the analysis of forensic DNA samples from toothpicks that can be found in the crime scene.