Understanding Metal Inhibition: The Effect of Copper (Cu2+) on DNA Containing Samples

Copper wires are a common component of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and are increasingly found in forensic evidence. When processed for DNA, ions from the metal can be co-extracted with the genetic material, and potentially cause complications during the analysis procedure. It was determined in this project that copper ions do have adverse effects on DNA processing by either interacting directly with the DNA or affecting the electrophoretic mobility of the molecule. It was also found that these negative effects could be improved by using a purification method capable of reducing the amount of copper carry-over into the sample. (Publisher abstract modified)