Analysis of Nail and Under-Nail DNA Material in Forensic Genetics

Esra Betül Peksak; Sabiha Şensöz

Analysis of Nail and Under-Nail DNA Material in Forensic Genetics

Abstract

Forensic genetics significantly contributes to the resolution of various criminal cases. In addition to DNA typing, nail samples and biological materials collected from underneath the fingernails are crucial sources of evidence, especially in cases involving violence and physical struggle. In incidents such as murder, sexual assault, suicide, and disappearance, DNA analysis of biological material obtained from under the victim’s fingernails can assist in identifying suspects. Since nails are composed of keratinized cells, they contain DNA; however, isolating DNA from such cells is more challenging compared to other biological samples. Consequently, various techniques have been developed for DNA isolation from both nails and undernail materials, yet there is no consensus regarding the most effective method. Factors such as the collection technique, daily activities, transfer of material, and the presence of mixed DNA profiles significantly influence the forensic reliability of these samples. Moreover, it remains unclear whether direct analysis of nail tissue or swab samples from under the nails is more effective, or whether swabs should be collected using dry or damp cotton. There is also debate over whether nail tissues and undernail swabs should be analyzed separately or together. Additionally, forensic laboratories lack standardized protocols for the storage and transport of these samples. This study explores the forensic value and analysis methods of nail and undernail materials based on current research.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Forensic Biology

Journal Section

Review Article

Authors

Esra Betül Peksak ^*
0009-0005-7911-9630
Türkiye

Sabiha Şensöz
0000-0002-4768-6295
Türkiye

Publication Date

July 31, 2025

Submission Date

April 30, 2025

Acceptance Date

July 7, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 2 Number: 2

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA94XS85LE

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Peksak, E. B., & Şensöz, S. (2025). Analysis of Nail and Under-Nail DNA Material in Forensic Genetics. Hitit Journal Of Science, 2(2), 42-53. https://izlik.org/JA94XS85LE

AMA

1.Peksak EB, Şensöz S. Analysis of Nail and Under-Nail DNA Material in Forensic Genetics. HJS. 2025;2(2):42-53. https://izlik.org/JA94XS85LE

Chicago

Peksak, Esra Betül, and Sabiha Şensöz. 2025. “Analysis of Nail and Under-Nail DNA Material in Forensic Genetics”. Hitit Journal Of Science 2 (2): 42-53. https://izlik.org/JA94XS85LE.

EndNote

Peksak EB, Şensöz S (July 1, 2025) Analysis of Nail and Under-Nail DNA Material in Forensic Genetics. Hitit Journal Of Science 2 2 42–53.

IEEE

[1]E. B. Peksak and S. Şensöz, “Analysis of Nail and Under-Nail DNA Material in Forensic Genetics”, HJS, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 42–53, July 2025, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA94XS85LE

ISNAD

Peksak, Esra Betül - Şensöz, Sabiha. “Analysis of Nail and Under-Nail DNA Material in Forensic Genetics”. Hitit Journal Of Science 2/2 (July 1, 2025): 42-53. https://izlik.org/JA94XS85LE.

JAMA

1.Peksak EB, Şensöz S. Analysis of Nail and Under-Nail DNA Material in Forensic Genetics. HJS. 2025;2:42–53.

MLA

Peksak, Esra Betül, and Sabiha Şensöz. “Analysis of Nail and Under-Nail DNA Material in Forensic Genetics”. Hitit Journal Of Science, vol. 2, no. 2, July 2025, pp. 42-53, https://izlik.org/JA94XS85LE.

Vancouver

1.Esra Betül Peksak, Sabiha Şensöz. Analysis of Nail and Under-Nail DNA Material in Forensic Genetics. HJS [Internet]. 2025 Jul. 1;2(2):42-53. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA94XS85LE