Pressure BioSciences (OTCQB:PBIO) says that two research groups have reported on the ability of the company's pressure cycling technology to improve the detection of DNA in so-called "challenged" forensic samples.
The studies were presented by scientists from the Institute of Applied Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth Texas, and from the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences in Houston Texas.
The results were presented at the 23 annual International Symposium on Human Identification being held from October 15-18, in Nashville, Tenessee.
The company's PCT platform uses rapid and repeating cycles of hydrostatic pressure at controlled temperatures to extract cell components in the preparation of a biological sample, such as DNA and proteins from humans, animals and plants, for further study.
Its PCT products can be used for mass spectrometry, biomarker discovery, bio-therapeutics, vaccine development, forensics, and counter-bioterror applications, among others.
DNA testing on forensic samples is done to help in the identification of individuals by their unique DNA profile, but often samples contain a sub-optimal quantity or quality of DNA.
This can lead to a poor or even invalid result in such testing due to contaminants or inhibitors in the samples.
“Our results indicate that DNA testing can be enhanced by treating forensic samples that contain inhibitory compounds with PCT," said executive director of the Institute of Applied Genetics, Dr. Bruce Budowle.
"We consider our study as a proof of concept that PCT treatment might be a viable method to overcome certain inhibitory effects that can adversely affect DNA testing.
"Importantly, it appears that PCT can reduce the effects of inhibitors known to be present in some bone samples, resulting in a marked improvement in DNA testing of these often difficult samples.”
The company's VP of sales and marketing, Dr. Nate Lawrence, added: "We believe the results of these studies show that incorporating PCT into the standard workflow of the forensic DNA testing laboratory could significantly enhance both the productivity and quality of DNA testing.
"We further believe that this enhancement in testing will result in solving difficult and/or unsolved cases.”
Lawrence said to this end, the company has spent "a number of hours" at the symposium, where the presentations are taking place, speaking with forensic scientists about the results, and what they need to include PCT into their daily DNA testing workflows.
"With this knowledge in hand, we are planning to accelerate the development of our forensic-based instruments and consumables, with an expectation that the release of these products will positively affect revenue in 2013," he concluded.
In August, the company said total revenue for the three months that ended June 30 was $324,908 compared to $190,686 for the comparable period in 2011.
Revenue from the sale of PCT products and services was $224,384 for the second quarter, up 18 per cent from a year ago.
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