Applied DNA Sciences Scales Up Production of SigNature DNA Two-Fold

STONY BROOK, NY--(Marketwire - February 23, 2009) - Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (OTCBB: APDN), a provider of DNA-based security solutions, announced today that it is scaling up its production of SigNature® DNA markers. Demand for its forensic level security has increased, driven by cash-in-transit (CIT), and clientele in multiple industry verticals. Proprietary processes are used to manufacture SigNature DNA, and they may be amplified on a continuous scale.

During the month of December, APDN shipped twice the amount of SigNature markers than in any prior month and seven times the average monthly shipment during the prior year. The company has fulfilled large requests for DNA from the textile, CIT, secure ink and identity card industries. In some cases, these shipments are from buying customers, in the majority of others, the DNA was supplied to support premarket trials.

With the downturn in the global economy, CIT crime is on the rise. In the U.K. alone, there is an estimated £500 billion being transported each year, or £1.4 billion per day. Money stolen in CIT attacks is a major source of funding for serious organized crime. The security industry and police are redoubling their efforts to clampdown on cash-in-transit crime in the wake of a 24% increase in attacks against CIT couriers (British Security Industry Association, 2008). SigNature DNA forensic markers are helping the CIT companies and the UK police to identify stolen cash and to link the evidence directly to the perpetrators.

"Our patented SigNature DNA markers are proving to be much more resilient, detectable and affordable than other security markers in the marketplace," commented Dr. James Hayward, APDN's CEO. "We are on track to continue to scale up production capacity, and expand our product offerings here in the U.S. and around the globe."

In an effort to assist the UK Metropolitan Police, Applied DNA Sciences recently held a special DNA security training seminar that was well attended by detectives from various police squads and forensic teams. At this meeting, the full strength of SigNature DNA to help fight crime was demonstrated. SigNature DNA is deployed with an intense ink that tips bank tellers that the cash is stolen. The SigNature markers persist, even after attempts by perpetrators to remove ink stains from stolen notes.

About APDN

Applied DNA Sciences markets and sells DNA security solutions to protect products, brands and intellectual property from counterfeiting and diversion. Its patented technologies sold under SigNature DNA use DNA from plants to mark and authenticate products in a unique manner that essentially can not be copied. Applied DNA also provides BioMaterial GenoTyping™ services by using genomic DNA present in natural materials to identify the original source of DNA present in finished products. Both platform technologies protect brands and products in a wide range of industries and provide a forensic chain of evidence to enable enforcement agencies to prosecute perpetrators. To learn more, go to www.adnas.com. APDN's common stock is listed on the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol "APDN."

The statements made by APDN may be forward-looking in nature and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements describe APDN's future plans, projections, strategies and expectations, and are based on assumptions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of APDN. Actual results could differ materially from those projected due to our short operating history, limited financial resources, limited market acceptance, market competition and various other factors detailed from time to time in APDN's SEC reports and filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on December 16, 2008 and our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. APDN undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Contact Information: INVESTOR CONTACT: Debbie Bailey 631-444-8090 fax: 631-444-8848 MEDIA CONTACT: Janice Meraglia 631-444-6293 FCMN Contact: Web site: http://www.adnas.com