Indirect DNA transfer without contact from dried biological materials on various surfaces

•Substrate type impacts drying times and characteristics of biological fluids.•DNA transfers without contact from substrates during agitation.•DNA transfer depends on types of agitation, biological material, substrate.•Drying properties of biological materials influence DNA transfer without contact. DNA transfer is a well-recognised phenomenon impacting the probability of detecting the presence of a particular source of DNA and thus the likelihood of the evidence given considered events within forensic investigations. Comprehensive study is lacking on variables associated with indirect DNA transfer without physical contact. Additionally, the drying properties of forensically relevant biological materials are under researched despite the recognised potential for these properties to affect DNA transfer. This study investigated the drying properties and indirect DNA transfer of dried blood, saliva, semen, vaginal fluid and touch DNA without contact deposited on two different non-porous hard substrates (melamine and glass) and two different porous soft substrates (polyester and cotton) by tapping (all substrates) and stretching (only fabric substrates) agitations. Different apparent drying trends were observed between the volumes, substrates and biological materials tested with substrate type generally having a greater influence than biological material. The rate and percentage of indirect transfer appeared to be dependent on agitation, substrate type, biological material and its drying properties. The outcomes of this study may assist those evaluating the likelihood of the evidence given proposed events during activity level assessments.