DNA recovery and substrate considerations; more than a superficial relationship

A comprehensive investigation into the substrate and deposit characteristics was conducted to address key physicochemical parameters that influence the substrate deposit interactions for the deposition, adhesion, transfer, recovery, and persistence of DNA containing biological materials. It was established that small changes in surface roughness and physicochemical interactions, including hydrophobicity, surface free energy (SFE), and protein adsorption, resulted in observable impacts on the spread and adhesion of touch, saliva, semen, and blood deposits. This finding may have consequences for the transfer, persistence and recovery of DNA deposits.