An alternative procedure for extraction of DNA from ancient and weathered bone fragments.

Bone is the most challenging tissue for DNA extraction and purification. Expensive commercial kits and specific equipments are often used in forensic and anthropology laboratories towards that goal. We present here an integrated procedure that gives satisfactory results for DNA preparation from fresh, ancient or weathered bones.

Comparison of extractable DNA from bone following six-month exposure to outdoor conditions, garden loam, mold contamination or room storage.

Femur bone sections from a single donor were exposed for six months to (i) outdoor conditions (exposure to sun, rain, etc.); (ii) water-vapour saturated environment favourable to mould proliferation and (iii) humic-garden soil. Following these treatments, DNA was extracted and yields were compared with that of a control bone fragment kept under optimal laboratory storage conditions.