No, the SigNature molecular tag is simply added in the drum or in the finish. SigNify® portable testing equipment is recommended for performing routine QC checks to confirm the presence of the molecular tag.

16 tests can be performed in one test run.

Up to 16 tests can be completed in approximately 60 minutes.

The total cost is USD $9,500 for the portable testing equipment, which includes 40 test kits containing the reagents needed to ‘unlock’ the SigNature molecular tag for analysis.

The reagents used with SigNify test equipment cost $10 per test.

Yes, testing can be performed throughout the supply chain using SigNify portable testing equipment. Applied DNA offers training for clients who will be performing in-house testing.

This is entirely up to the customer. Initially Applied DNA suggests clients test a greater number of samples, particularly in supply chain areas that have been identified as “high-risk”. Once initial data has been collected, testing can be reduced over time.

There are many options available. Applied DNA believes the most cost-effective places to tag leather are:

• Apply to wet blue or wet white and verify upon receipt at finishing tannery.
• Apply during re-tanning or finishing (either in wet crust, or in a finish coating) and verify at the
  product manufacturer, distribution center and/or retail establishment.

A nearly limitless number of unique SigNature molecular tags can be created. We suggest each tannery use a single tag to treat wet blue or wet white, which will serve to identify hides processed at that tannery. Brands may use multiple molecular tags in the finish stage to identify a branded product as required.

SigNature molecular tags are manufactured at Applied DNA headquarters in Stony Brook, NY, using proprietary and patented equipment and processes.

SigNature molecular tag concentrates shall be stored between 4° and 8°C (refrigerated) for no more than 12 months from the date of manufacture by Applied DNA. The use-by date will be printed on the bottle label.

No. SigNature molecular tags are not long enough to be considered a gene, not derived from a living organism and therefore have no genetic function and are unable to modify another living organism (or cell).

Due to Applied DNA’s patented and proprietary production methods, SigNature molecular tags cannot be copied. It would be commercially infeasible and impractical to reverse engineer the molecular tag.

Brands will need to discuss molecular tagging with their suppliers. Identify why, and at what stage, you want to tag leather, and if you wish to use your own unique SigNature molecular tag in finished leather. Understanding manufacturing processes and authentication requirements will determine the optimum point for molecular tagging. Our team can train staff on the use of SigNify portable test equipment where required.

Customers can purchase access to an online platform to support data management and provide traceability. A unique SigNature molecular tag is applied to an item(the ‘Tag’). It is then tested using SigNify portable test equipment and the resulting data are uploaded to Applied DNA’s database (the ‘Test’).

All data captured during the tests taken along the supply chain are compared against the client’s molecular tag, allowing manufacturers and brands to provide their customers a story of the journey of their leather product (the ‘Track’). Some clients may wish to align this data with existing IT infrastructure to provide clients with the ability to allow end users to see the story via QR codes, etc.