The SigNature™ Program

The SigNature™ Program is one of the strategic initiatives by Applied DNA Sciences to introduce to the market a range of ready-to-use security solutions aimed at brand protection and authentication and also to address the global need to combat counterfeiting and piracy.

We believe that the key characteristics and benefits of the SigNature™ Program are as follows:

Our SigNature™ DNA Markers Are Virtually Impossible to Copy
In creating unique SigNature™ DNA Markers, we use DNA segments from one or more botanical sources, rearrange them into unique encrypted sequences, and then implement one or more layers of anti-counterfeit techniques. Because the portion of DNA in a SigNature™ DNA Marker used to identify the marker is so minute, it cannot be detected unless it is replicated billions of times over, or amplified. This amplification can only be achieved by applying matching strands of DNA, or a primer, and PCR techniques to the SigNature™ DNA Marker. The sequence of the relevant DNA in a SigNature™ DNA Marker must be known in order to manufacture the primer for that DNA. As a result, we believe the effort required to find, amplify, select and clone the relevant DNA in a SigNature™ DNA Marker would involve such enormous effort and expense that SigNature™ DNA Markers are virtually impossible to copy without our proprietary systems.

Simple and Rapid Authentication
With our advanced SigNature™ DNA Marker detection devices and PCR testing kits, any of our customers can quickly complete an on-site verification. When our SigNature™ DNA Encryption Detector pen comes in contact with our proprietary overt ink on a label or product package, a biochemical reaction triggers a reversible color change from blue to pink and back to blue. Testing of this color change can be repeated between 30 to 50 times. Additionally, by covalently linking SigNature DNA with an upconverting phosphor, an instant reader can be used to rapidly detect the presence or absence of DNA in the field. For forensic level authentication, our SigNature™ PCR testing kits can produce absolute authentication in less than 30 minutes using portable PCR machines.

Low Cost and High Accuracy
The costs associated with the DNA required to manufacture our SigNature™ DNA Markers are not significant since the amount of DNA required for each marker is so minute (for instance, only 3-5 parts per million when incorporated in an ink). We manufacture the identifying segment of DNA to be used in a SigNature™ DNA Marker by cloning them inside microorganisms such as yeast or bacteria, which are highly productive and inexpensive to grow. As a result, SigNature™ DNA Markers are relatively inexpensive when compared to other anti-counterfeiting devices such as RFIDs, EPCs, integrated circuit chips, and holograms. Our SigNature™ DNA Encryption Detectors, which use color changing dyes and molecular "triggers" to instantly detect SigNature™ DNA Markers, are also relatively inexpensive. At the same time, the probability of mistakenly identifying a SigNature™ DNA Marker is less than 1 in 1 trillion, so our authentication systems are highly accurate, and in fact, our SigNature™ PCR Kits can authenticate to a forensic level.

Easily Integrated with Other Anti-Counterfeit Technologies
Our DNA Markers can easily be embedded onto RFID devices, banknote threads, labels, serial numbers, holograms, and other marking systems using inks, threads and other media. We believe that combined with other traditional methods, our SigNature™ Program provides a significant deterrent against counterfeiting, product diversion, piracy, fraud and identity theft.

Broad Applicability and Ingestible
Our SigNature™ DNA Markers can be embedded into almost any consumer product, and virtually any other item. For instance, the indelible SigNature™ DNA Ink we produce is safe to consume and can be used in pharmaceutical drug tablets and capsules.