Extraction of DNA from gastric content in different stages of digestion

Abstract In order to clarify the availability of DNA suitable for PCR amplification from gastric content three different preparation systems were applied on a cohort of 48 specimens. A fluorescence-based quantification system was applied to investigate the respective DNA concentrations after the extraction process. The Abbott m Sample Preparation System DNA as well as the Qiagen DNA Mini Kit and DNeasy Mericon Food Kit resulted in successful preparation results from all materials. However, the chemistry provided in the specialized DNeasy Mericon Food Kit resulted in the best results from poorly digested material. In contrast, the Abbott magnetic beads system resulted in the highest DNA yields from liquidized gastric content in further stages of digestion. The degree of digestion of stomach content should be considered when the method for DNA preparation is chosen in forensic casework.