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Applied DNA Sciences Marks Raw Cotton With American Cotton Grower
DNA Authentication Succeeds With Single Cotton Fiber
| Source: Applied DNA Sciences, Inc.
STONY BROOK, NY--(Marketwire - June 2, 2009) - Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (OTCBB : APDN ),
a provider of DNA security solutions, announced today that it has
successfully marked over 500,000 pounds of raw cotton fiber with a
naturally derived botanical marker called SigNature® DNA, as part of a
pilot study conducted in collaboration with one of America's largest cotton
growers. SigNature DNA was detected homogeneously throughout the various
stages of cotton processing, before and after baling, right down to the
single cotton fiber. The persistence and stability of the SigNature DNA
marker ensured that it was successfully authenticated.
The inclusion of SigNature DNA at such a large scale is the largest
deployment of a commercial DNA marker to date. This work is a complement to
the tracking of cotton's native DNA in APDN's Biomaterial Genotyping
platform, known as "FiberTyping." By authenticating native DNA, APDN
ensures that a retail product contains the cotton claimed on the label.
Native DNA can also be used to determine the cultivar, and hence the
country, from which the original cotton was derived. SigNature DNA markers
would allow a specific farmer of natural fibers, or a producer of synthetic
fibers, to track specific batches of fiber through to finished textiles and
apparel.
Jeff Elder, Chairman of Supima, who represent the growers of American pima
cotton, stated: "We strive to assure quality products in a cost effective
manner. Authentication of cotton fiber in finished products provides us
with a leading edge in today's highly competitive global marketplace."
Annual business revenue stimulated by cotton in the US economy exceeds $120
billion, making cotton America's number one value-added crop (National
Cotton Council). Cotton is the dominant fiber in apparel, having captured
two-thirds of that market; cotton towels remain enormously popular with
consumers; and 100 percent cotton sheets are regaining prominence in the
market.
Cotton farmers are looking to grow and sell the highest quality cotton and
also to protect their investments and reputations as raw cotton is
converted to finished products, crossing borders and facing many potential
opportunities for the substitution of lesser quality goods under a higher
quality label.
More than 30% of the world's consumption of cotton fiber crosses
international borders before processing, a larger share than for wheat,
corn, soybeans or rice. Coupled with the complexity of today's
international cotton trade, labels are removed from cotton bales during
apparel manufacture, making it very difficult to trace the origin of the
fibers.
Having access to SigNature DNA identification and authentication
technologies will protect the original cotton fiber used throughout the
cotton supply chain. SigNature will ensure continuity in the cotton fiber
identity and protect textiles and garments from counterfeiting and fraud,
which can create sub-standard products, that "appear" to be good quality,
but often fail to perform after even a few launderings.
Dr. James Hayward, CEO of APDN, commented, "SigNature DNA is very
versatile. It can be embedded into any fiber or polymeric raw material used
in technical textile products. Medical textiles, protective clothing,
performance clothing for work or outdoor activities, as well as nonwoven
materials, can also benefit from SigNature DNA identification and
authentication. SigNature markers can enable any manufacturer of synthetic
fibers or any farmer of natural fibers to trace the inclusion of their
fibers in retail goods."
SigNature DNA is fast becoming recognized by the textile and apparel
industry not only for cotton, but a wide range of commercial and industrial
textile applications. Based on the patented botanical, green technology
employed by APDN, SigNature DNA can be used to mark raw fiber, yarn, woven
and non-woven labels and even the garment itself. The flexibility and high
specificity of SigNature DNA enable the manufacture of a practically
unlimited variety of product markers. Every SKU in the world could
potentially be uniquely marked.
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. To learn more, go to www.adnas.com.
The statements made by APDN may be forward-looking in nature and are made
pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements describe APDN's future
plans, projections, strategies and expectations, and are based on
assumptions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which
are beyond the control of APDN. Actual results could differ materially from
those projected due to our short operating history, limited financial
resources, limited market acceptance, market competition and various other
factors detailed from time to time in APDN's SEC reports and filings,
including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on December 16, 2008 and
our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. APDN undertakes no
obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new
information, events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the
occurrence of unanticipated events.