Abstract: A system and method for interrogating objects containing a nucleic acid taggant including a sample collection device for obtaining a sample containing a nucleic acid taggant from an object. The at least one taggent includes at least one predetermined nucleic acid sequence. A reagent contacts the sample. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) device for device for receiving the sample and amplifying the at least one nucleic acid sequence contained in the sample to produce a PCR sample solution. A Nucleic Acid Lateral Flow (NALF) device has a sample receiving end for receiving the PCR sample solution and having an indication end. The indication end includes a first test area and at least one control area. The first test area provides a visual indication upon the detection of a first predetermined nucleic acid sequence carried in the PCR sample solution.

Abstract: Methods for marking cellulosic products, including cellulosic fibers such as lyocell and cellulosic films, including methods for marking such products with a detectable nucleic acid marker to identify and validate the origin or authenticity of the products or items manufactured using such products. Detectably-marked cellulosic products marked with nucleic acid markers for authentication, validation and tracking are also provided.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods for generating large quantities of DNA security markers by combinatorial variation techniques using polymorphic fragment length DNA for unique identification security marker applications such as explosive ink used in dye/smoke pack and cash carrying boxes.

Abstract: A material for indelibly and uniquely marking an article for identification purposes includes a mixture including between about 1% and 10% by weight fluorescent identifier, DNA, and the remainder including predominantly a solvent.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for stably binding and immobilizing deoxyribonucleic acid onto objects and substrates. The method includes exposing the deoxyribonucleic acid to alkaline conditions, and contacting the deoxyribonucleic acid to the object or substrate. The alkaline conditions are produced by mixing the deoxyribonucleic acid with an alkaline solution having a pH of about 9.0 or higher, and contacting the deoxyribonucleic acid to the substrate. The immobilized DNA can be used as a taggant and can be used in combination with other detectable taggants, such as optical reporters. Methods for authentication of a DNA marked object are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for increasing the recoverability of taggants from an object. The methods include the steps of incorporating a taggant into a solution; mixing the solution including the taggant with a perturbant to form a first perturbant taggant solution; mixing the first perturbant taggant solution with a polymer to form a second perturbant taggant polymer solution; and applying the second perturbant taggant polymer solution to at least a portion of the object to form a taggant-coated object. Methods for authentication of a taggant marked object are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions that have a light emitting reporter linked to biomolecules, preferably, nucleotide oligomers. The light reporter particles are silylated and functionalized to produce a coated light reporter particle, prior to covalently linking the biomolecules to the light reporter particle. The light reporter particles of the invention can be excited by a light excitation source such as UV or IR light, and when the biomolecule is DNA, the attached DNA molecule(s) are detectable by amplification techniques such as PCR.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods for generating large quantities of DNA security markers by combinatorial variation techniques using polymorphic fragment length DNA for unique identification security marker applications such as explosive ink used in dye/smoke pack and cash carrying boxes.

Abstract: A method for authenticating a textile material that is initiated by selecting a unique nucleic acid marker having a specific length and a specific sequence. A media that causes the unique nucleic acid marker to adhere to a fibrous material is then selected. The method then proceeds to generate a nucleic acid marker mixture by mixing the media with the nucleic acid marker. The nucleic acid marker mixture is then applied to the fibrous material. A marked fibrous material is produced by marking the fibrous material with the nucleic acid marker. The textile material is manufactured with the marked fibrous material. The textile material is then authenticated by detecting the unique nucleic acid marker with primers that are specific to the unique nucleic acid. In an alternative embodiment, the media is used as a topical treatment for the fibrous material.