BLC applies groundbreaking research to find DNA in leather

Published: 29 November, 2004

For the first time, DNA has been extracted and analysed from leather for the purposes of species identification. This groundbreaking research has enabled a positive species identification for chamois leather.

According to the British and US Federal Standards, authentic chamois leather must originate from sheep or lambskin. An issue with traditional species identification using microscopy is the absence of the grain layer, making identification difficult and potentially inaccurate. Working with a partner laboratory using techniques similar to those pioneered for forensic DNA profiling, BLC has determined an exact species identification for a range of leather types including bovine, ovine, goat and pig.

This development will have wider implications in terms of trading standards and customs issues and it is hoped to extend the use of this technique to facilitate ultimate traceability within the supply chain.

For further details of this exciting development please contact Vikki Addy on +44 1604 679953

or by email: vikki@blcleathertech.com

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