Cash in Transit Expert Benson Ready to Help Leverage Applied DNA Sciences Security and Cash Protection Program Successes

STONY BROOK, NY--(Marketwire - May 24, 2011) - Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (OTCBB: APDN), a provider of DNA-based security, anti-counterfeiting technology and product authentication solutions, is proud to announce that distinguished cash industry and risk expert Tony Benson has been appointed Director, Risk and Security for the company. Most recently at Loomis UK, Mr. Benson has consistently brought fresh ideas, rigorous strategic thinking and leadership to a hard-scrabble UK environment which experiences approximately 77% of all the Cash and Valuables in Transit (CViT) robberies worldwide.

Track record is stellar

Tony Benson is well known for being innovative and making the best use of new technological breakthroughs -- in 1990 he was instrumental in the deployment of biometric access control systems and groundbreaking computer software on armored trucks, which was a great success and is still used today in many armored CViT vehicles.

In 2001 Benson joined Securitas, at that time the largest security company in the world. When the cash-handling arm of Securitas became a separate company known as Loomis UK Ltd, Benson was designated Risk Director.

From 2004 to 2010, Benson represented the UK British Standards Institute on the development of standards for cash degradation systems, such as cash strongboxes.

When CViT crime in the UK rose exponentially in 2006, Benson worked to combat the threat. Appointed Chair of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) CIT Security Committee, he worked with Home Office, senior Police officials and customers.

Calling the new wave of attacks "unacceptable," Benson researched and deployed an array of technologies such as APDN's Signature® DNA cash-marking system, and led the industry in a revamp of major risk points. The counter-assault, by 2010 resulted in a massive reduction of 30% in those crimes while losses also dropped by just over 30%. The use of Signature DNA resulted in 22 convictions last year alone.

Leverage successes

Dave Wigfield, V.P. Sales and Marketing for APDN, stated, "With the difficult economy and business climate worldwide, over the pavement crimes threaten commercial systems throughout the EU, the U.S. and globally. We see growing demand in this sector for APDN solutions. Tony's expertise, experience, and reputation, will forcefully leverage the success we have had in protecting the UK cash industry, the toughest in the world."

DNA in CViT, Risk Management and Security

APDN has a range of products and solutions, from the vault to the cash machine or to the cash register, that significantly reduce the risk to this cash supply for all stakeholders including insurance companies. Deterrence and the ability to create a forensic evidence trail through the use of SigNature® DNA, DNANet™, Smart DNA™, and Cashield™ Ink represent ground breaking technology and new tools for this industry to fight crime.

APDN now has a proven track record within the CViT industry. With over 22 convictions to its credit, APDN has a 100% conviction record for captured criminals who have stolen cash from its security licensees within the UK. The result, the deterrence provided by APDN, yielded a significant drop in attacks and eliminated cash losses more than one hundred times the cost of annual licensing. In addition, APDN has received several Police awards from UK Police Forces that are currently using these products on a daily basis to protect and serve their communities.

About APDN
APDN sells patented DNA security solutions to protect products, brands and intellectual property from counterfeiting and diversion. SigNature DNA is a botanical mark used to authenticate products in a unique manner that essentially cannot be copied, and provide a forensic chain of evidence that can be used to prosecute perpetrators. To learn more, go to www.adnas.com where APDN routinely posts all press releases.

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 15, 2010 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.