PCT technology improves DNA extraction method in forensic evidentiary samples

Pressure BioSciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:PBIO) ("PBI" and the "Company") today announced that two scientific presentations at the 21^st International Symposium on Human Identification have provided further evidence that pressure cycling technology ("PCT") offers an improved method for the extraction of DNA in the analysis of forensic evidentiary samples.

A study entitled Pressure Cycling Technology (PCT): Applications for Forensics DNA Analysis was presented by Ms. Pam Marshall, MS, et al., from the Institute of Investigative Genetics, Department of Forensics and Investigative Genetics at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC), Fort Worth, Texas. Results from the study showed an increase in DNA yield from forensic swab samples prepared with PCT compared to samples prepared without PCT. These results confirmed and extended the data presented by UNTHSC scientists at the 20^th Human Identification Meeting in October 2009 and the Harvard Medical School Symposium on High Pressure in May 2010, where data were presented that showed significant improvements in DNA yield from challenging forensic samples using PCT.

Dr. Bruce Budowle, Executive Director of the Institute of Investigative Genetics at UNTHSC, said: "New analytical techniques offer forensic scientists the potential to detect lower quantities of DNA. To reach this potential, methods for preparing samples prior to analysis must be improved. For the past 18 months, we have evaluated PCT in this regard. The results we presented at the 21st Annual Human ID Meeting confirm our earlier, reported findings that increased yields of DNA are seen in samples after PCT treatment compared with samples not exposed to PCT. Consequently, we continue to pursue development of PCT as a viable method to enhance DNA recovery from forensic samples, since it is feasible that the benefits of PCT may lead to more solved cases."

In addition to the UNTHSC study, Dr. Bruce R. McCord and Ms. Deepthi Nori, MFS from the International Forensic Research Institute (IFRI), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University (FIU) presented a study entitled Application of Pressure Cycling Technology (PCT) in Differential Extraction. Their unique extraction protocol uses PCT to differentially extract DNA from sperm and vaginal epithelial cells. This novel method has the potential to lead to better identification of criminals involved in sexual assaults.

Dr. Bruce McCord, Associate Director, IFRI-FIU, said:  "One of the more difficult and time consuming tasks in forensic analysis is the selective detection of male DNA from sperm cells in the presence of larger quantities of female DNA in sexual assault casework. Our results demonstrate the potential of PCT for the selective disruption of sperm cells in mixtures containing female cells."

Dr. Nathan Lawrence, VP of Marketing at PBI, commented: "UNTHSC and the IFRI - FIU are two of the most well-known and respected investigative and academic forensics laboratories in the U.S.  The data presented by these groups at the recent 21^st Annual Human ID Meeting is additional confirmation that PCT can improve the detection of DNA in challenging forensic samples.  These methods can be used by forensic laboratories and criminal justice agencies worldwide to better identify missing persons or perpetrators of violent crimes. We believe that these data will help us to successfully close new forensics accounts and to identify one or more strategic partners to co-market our PCT-based product line in the forensics marketplace."