DNA Receptors with Nanotags on Cartridges
Lead Research Organisation:
Brunel University London
Department Name: Sch of Engineering and Design
Abstract
First, this programme is about developing a new nanotechnology relevant to gun crime control. Second, it is about transferring this nanobioengineering to FSS, coating and ammunition manufacturers. Third, it is about communication of the higher rate of conviction for gun crime using the new technology. We therefore want to increase the amount of surviving and recoverable DNA on cartridges using DNA traps, having measured and modelled the T-t excursions experienced by a cartridge (Al, brass, etc) and tag illegal gun users.
People |
ORCID iD |
| David Harrison (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Gashi B
(2010)
Measurement of 9 mm cartridge case external temperatures and its forensic application.
in Forensic science international
L Courteney
(2008)
Deterring Gun Crime: Making a material difference with biomimetic nanotags
in Nature Nanotechnology Letters
Sermon P
(2012)
Deterring gun crime materially using forensic coatings
in Forensic Science International
Xu Y
(2010)
Design and manufacture of surface textures on gun cartridge cases to trap DNA material
in Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part B: Journal of Engineering Manufacture
| Description | US and Australian work has shown that the effectiveness of extracting deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from standard gun cartridges is low and so analysis costs are high. The presence of greater than 1 ng of trapped bio-material would increase the success rates of DNA profiling and facilitate cheaper DNA analysis. The aim of this work was to increase the amount of recoverable DNA from a gun user deposited on fired cartridges, using microtextured surfaces as DNA receptors. Success would increase the probability of identifying perpetrators of gun crime through DNA matching. Various textures were applied to flat surfaces of cartridge case material and the effects of those surface textures on trapping skin materials evaluated. In addition to treated/patterned surfaces, standard emery abrasive paper was adopted as a control medium. From the different surfaces tested, the emery abrasive paper was found to be most effective at trapping skin debris. Rough surfaces with pyramid textures, which are similar to features on emery paper, were subsequently manufactured on cartridge rims by a standard knurling process. Scratch tests were carried out to simulate the process of handling and loading these cartridges during the use of firearms. DNA test results of the knurled cartridges after firing, showed a high success rate of DNA profiling and high matching percentage to the donor's DNA profile. |
| Exploitation Route | We showed that the amount of recoverable DNA from a gun user deposited on fired cartridges could be increased by manufacturing microtextured surfaces on the cartridges. It is possible that governments concerned with increasing gun crime detection rates could legislate to require microtextured surfaces to be applied to gun cartridges. |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Government, Democracy and Justice,Security and Diplomacy |
| URL | http://pib.sagepub.com/content/224/8/1229.short |
| Description | Andura |
| Organisation | Andura Coatings |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| Start Year | 2006 |
| Description | BAE Systems Operations Ltd |
| Organisation | BAE Systems |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Start Year | 2006 |
| Description | Forensic Science Service Ltd |
| Organisation | Home Office |
| Department | Forensic Science Regulator |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| Start Year | 2006 |