CA2415226A1

CA2415226A1 - Physical asset marking solution

Info

Publication number: CA2415226A1
Application number: CA 2415226
Authority: CA
Inventors: Marc Gaudreau
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-01-10
Filing date: 2003-01-10
Publication date: 2003-04-10

Abstract

The invention provides a new solution and method to mark and track a variety of physical assets and property. It combines the uniqueness of DNA with a ubiquitous liquid marking solution. In one particular embodiment of this invention, DNA from a natural source is incorporated into this liquid solution, which preserves and protects the DNA, producing the unique marking solution. This marking solution that includes DNA can be applied to a wide variety of materials for the purpose of identification at any later time. Once applied to a physical asset, the asset bears a permanent coating containing the DNA in its matrix. Asset tracking is achieved by detecting the coating on the physical asset and identifying the DNA within. Identification of the DNA is achieved using conventional analysis methods.

Description

METHOD AND PHYSICAL ASSET MARKING SOLUTION
The present invention relates to the general field <>f asset tracking.
Specifically the invention provides a new rr~ethod to mark and track physical assets and property.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVEN'CION
Physical asset tracking is a method used most often for the purpose of monitoring items or recovering lost or stolen property. It involves recording or marking items of interest in a manner that allows the owner or custodian to identify or establish a claim against the item. There are a number of different approaches to marking objects for anti-theft or for other tracking purposes.
Marking methods can be based on physical, chemical or electronic processes.
The most common example of physical asset marking is engraving one's name or other personal identifying information (e.g. driver's license number) on an item of interest. This method requires special tools, can damage items being marked and is often considered too oven and outdated for current tracking purposes.
Another method involves the use of special labels. 'These labels rnay be microscopic and have a special adhesive andlor security features that are unique. More recent developments include electronic sensors that can be monitored from a distance. T'laese systems require monitoring devices.
Current chemical asset tracking technologies make use of specialty chemicals such as rare earths or isotopically-labeled compounds. This approach tends to be expensive to manufacture and involves the maintenance of secure owner registries and databases. 'there is a need for a low-cost asset marking method, which minimises extensive administrative overhead. This method differs from conventional asset tracking methods in that the identification of the asset can be undertaken after the fact and only when establishing ownership of the asset is required.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a new solution and method to mark and track personal property of various kinds. It combines the uniqueness of DNA with a liquid coating solution. In one embodiment of this invention, DNA is incorporated into this liquid solution, which preserves and protects the DNA, producing the unique liquid marker. This marking solution that includes DNA
can be applied to a wide variety of materials for the purpose of asset identification at any later time. Asset tracking and identification is achieved by detecting the presence of this solution, analysing and identifying the DNA within.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a new method to mark and track a wide range of physical assets whether the: are personal or institutionally owned. It combines the uniqueness of DNA
with a mufti-purpose liquid coating solution. Natural DNA can be obtained from a variety of different sources. For example, the DNA of person can be obtained by collecting epithelial cells by swabbing the interior of their mouth. T'he collected cells are incorporated into this liquid solution, which preserves and protects the DNA from degradation and environmental conditions, producing the unique marking solution. 'this marking solution that includes DNA can be applied on fhe surface of a wide variety of materials such as metals, plastics, glass, wood, paper, fabrics etc. using a small brush or applicator. Once dry, the physical asset bears a hardened coating not easily detected with the naked eye containing in its matrix the DNA of the individual. Asset tracking can be achieved by having knowledge of the location of the coating or by detecting a fluorescent or luminescent marker contained in the solution using special lighting techniques such as UV light or other narrow bandwidth illumination devices. The DNA is sampled from the surface of the asset in the event proof of ownership becomes necessary. Identification of~the DN,~1 is achieved using conventional analysis methods such as PCR or RFL,P.
This method differs from conventional asset tracking technologies in that it does not require the maintenance of databases linking various assets to codes or identification numbers, etc.
Identification is only undertaken in the event that establishing asset ownership becomes necessary.

Claims

1. A method for marking objects with a multi-component liquid solution containing DNA from a single or a plurality of natural source;s comprising the steps of:

(a) Selecting a natural source(s) of DNA such as human or other organisms.

(b) Adding the DNA from said source to a liquid to produce a unique liquid marking solution, and (c) Applying the said unique marking solution to physical assets, and (d) Linking marked assets to the source of DNA.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the liquid marking solution dries to a hardened coating on the physical asset.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the liquid is a water-based mixture comprising mainly: water, a polymer, a buffer, a DNA binding agent, a biocide, an anti-oxidant, a luminescent dye or colorant, a filler, a dispersant and a surfactant:

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the liquid is a solvent-based mixture comprising mainly: solvent, a polymer, a buffer, a DNA binding agent, a biocide, an anti-oxidant, a luminescent dye or colorant, a filler, a. dispersant and a surfactant:

5. The liquid of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the polymer or monomer component is present in an amount ranging from about 10 to about 70 '%~ by weight.

6. The liquid of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the buffer agent is present in an amount ranging from about 0.5 to about 10 % by weight.

7. The liquid of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the DNA-binding agent is present in an amount ranging from about 0.001 to about 5 % by weight.

8. The liquid of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the biocide is present in an amount ranging from about 0.05 to about 3 % by weight.

9. The liquid of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the anti-oxidant is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 2 % by weight.

10. The liquid of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the luminescent dye or colorant is present in an amount ranging from abc>ut 0.1 to about 2 % by weight.

11. The liquid of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the filler is present in an amount ranging from about 5 to about 30 % by weight.

12. The liquid of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the dispersant is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 3 % by weight.

13. The liquid of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the surfactant is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 0.5 % by weight.

14. The liquid of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein a corrosion inhibitor may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.5 to about 2 % by weight.

15. The liquid of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein a UV blocker may be present in an amount ranging from about 1 to about 3 % by weight.

16. A water-based or solvent-based coating composition compatible with DNA
from natural sources according to claim 3 or claim 4 additionally comprising of one or more solutions of curing agents, cross-linkers, catalysts, organic dyes, inorganic colorants, thickeners, fillers, biocides, surfactants, dispersants, buffering agents and fluorescent dyes.

17. The method according to claim land claim 2 in which the resultant coating on the physical asset is achieved by one or more solution(s) which comprise any combination of components according to claim 1, and claim 5 to claim 16.