Marking of Components for Avoidance of Counterfeit Parts (Phase II)

Applied DNA Sciences (APDN) has developed a reliable DNA-optical adduct that is impervious to copying and is required by the Defense Logistic Agency (DLA) for the marking of FSC 5962 electronic components. Commercial inks supplemented with optical markers and proprietary APDN DNA, trademarked SigNature DNA, ink provide authentication marks that are of a higher standard relative to other taggant technologies. The proposed research project detailed herein would expand the scope and scale of production of the existing technology platform established in the Phase I SBIR to accommodate as many as 100 component manufacturers. In addition to developing more efficient methods of SigNature DNA application, the proposed research entails the development and construction of an optical reader that could be employed in the field for rapid detection of the SigNature DNA ink marked on a component. Furthermore, in Phase II, the minimal amount of APDN DNA, optical markers, and ink necessary to maintain efficient detection by existing forensic and visual techniques would be investigated and validated. Approved for Public Release 14-MDA-7739 (18 March 14).