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Aspartic acid racemization method for age estimation

Age estimation techniques used in forensic science to assist in the personal identification of bodies can be broadly classified into morphological or biological techniques. Biological age estimation techniques by using bone or teeth components include amino acid racemization and radiocarbon dating (C14 isotope).

Age estimation by using the amino acid racemization method is based on the phenomenon of an increasing aspartic acid (Asp) enantiomer ratio (i.e., the D/L ratio) with age.

Despite being highly accurate, biological methods have not been routinely used because of technical and installation issues. Actual age estimation depends primarily on morphology.

To estimate the age more precisely, the aspartic acid racemization method has been utilized and studied.

Ayaka Sakuma