SigNature DNA Can Protect Metal-Based Products From Counterfeiting
(Nanowerk News) Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., a provider of DNA-based security solutions, announced that it has successfully incorporated its proprietary SigNature® DNA markers onto the surfaces of intact metal, with the potential to assign unique DNA sequences for each metal application. Counterfeit metal materials have been detected in everyday building and construction materials, electronic components, after-market car parts, public rail and bus transportation materials, packaging and components used in military and commercial aircraft.
According to Robert P. Ernst (Naval Air Systems Command's Aging Aircraft Program), "As many as 15% of all spare and replacement microchips the Pentagon buys are counterfeit...We are having field failures regularly within our weapons systems -- and in almost every weapon system." (Business Week, October 2008). In May 2009, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued a Report on Counterfeits indicating that total counterfeit incidents increased from 3,868 (2005) to 9,356 (2008), representing an increase of over 200%. Of the counterfeit products surveyed in 2008, 5,267 of these products were "used product re-marked as higher grade" microcircuits.
Dr. James A. Hayward, CEO of APDN, stated, "Typically, counterfeits are distinguished after a very thorough visual check. Organized efforts to counterfeit metal components can be curtailed easily by the application of a unique forensic SigNature DNA marker that can even be used to distinguish between various products."
Aluminum, copper, tin and steel can all be protected with SigNature DNA and authenticated should there be any doubt as to their authenticity. The persistence of SigNature DNA markers, even after attempts to wash or remove it, has already been validated in laminates, thermal transfer ribbon and a wide range of security inks and substrates used in secure packaging. SigNature DNA can help provide quality assurance and quality control without modification to the existing manufacturing processes or the products themselves.
"The problems will continue to grow as long as metal counterfeits continue to enter the supply chain unchecked. With the availability of SigNature DNA marking and authentication, we can immediately help to resolve many of the concerns over national security and public safety," continued Dr. Hayward.
About APDN
APDN sells patented DNA security solutions to protect products, brands and intellectual property from counterfeiting and diversion. SigNature DNA is a botanical mark used to authenticate products in a unique manner that essentially cannot be copied. APDN also provides BioMaterial GenoTyping™ by detecting genomic DNA in natural materials to authenticate finished products. Both technologies protect brands and products in a wide range of industries and provide a forensic chain of evidence that can be used to prosecute perpetrators.
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