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  • A review of the methodological aspects of aspartic acid racemization analysis for use in forensic science.

A review of the methodological aspects of aspartic acid racemization analysis for use in forensic science.

Forensic science international (1999-09-11)
E R Waite, M J Collins, S Ritz-Timme, H W Schutz, C Cattaneo, H I Borrman
ABSTRACT

Accurate age determination of adult cadavers and human remains is a key requirement in forensic practice. The current morphological methods lack accuracy and precision, require specialist training and are costly. The use of aspartic acid racemization (AAR) in human dentine provides a simple, cost-effective solution and the method can achieve accuracies of +/- 3 years at best. Currently, there are differences in AAR methodology between laboratories which produce different results on the rate of racemization in teeth. These inconsistencies must be resolved if the technique is to be successfully applied to age determinations in forensic cases. This paper reviews the differences in protocol which have been used, discusses how each method will affect the results obtained from AAR analysis and gives recommendations for optimization of the methological protocol as a first step towards international standardization.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Supelco
L-Aspartic acid, certified reference material, TraceCERT®, Manufactured by: Sigma-Aldrich Production GmbH, Switzerland
Aspartic acid, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
Sigma-Aldrich
L-Aspartic acid, BioXtra, ≥99% (HPLC)
Sigma-Aldrich
L-Aspartic acid, reagent grade, ≥98% (HPLC)
Sigma-Aldrich
L-Aspartic acid, BioUltra, ≥99.5% (T)
Sigma-Aldrich
L-Aspartic acid, from non-animal source, meets EP, USP testing specifications, suitable for cell culture, 98.5-101.0%
Supelco
L-Aspartic acid, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
SAFC
L-Aspartic acid