Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. and Premier Semiconductor Services Sign DNA-Marking Memo of Understanding

STONY BROOK, NY--(Marketwire - January 14, 2013) - Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (OTCBB: APDN), (Twitter: @APDN), a provider of DNA-based anti-counterfeiting technology and product authentication solutions, announced today that Premier Semiconductor Services, LLC (Premier), based in Tempe, Arizona, has agreed in principle to provide DNA-marking services for electronics firms wishing to comply with APDN's SigNature® DNA authentication platform. The framework of the agreement allows for the platform to be available through Premier to authorized distributors, to manufacturers including members of the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), and all others who may benefit from a fast-track route to SigNature DNA marking, whereby Premier acts as subcontractor.

SigNature DNA marking is required by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for use on certain electronic parts provided to the Agency. APDN will serve as the prime contractor for SigNature DNA marking, and subcontract as necessary. In response to a DLA mandate which came into effect on November 15, 2012, electronics components in FSC Class 5962 supplied to the Agency are required to use SigNature DNA marking.

Third party marking allows for a turnkey solution to immediate SigNature DNA marking capability, where ease of logistics is the main concern. Premier is the second company to announce SigNature DNA-marking as a "third party" service under license from Applied DNA Sciences. SMT, of Sandy Hook, Connecticut, announced its third party SigNature DNA-marking services on November 30, 2012.

David Loaney, CEO and President of Premier, commented, "We feel that our company is very well positioned to add DNA-marking to our range of services. It is a natural extension because of the fact that we already provide both the verification testing required prior to the DNA marking and we have background and capabilities to perform higher volume Ink and Laser marking our relationships with some of the largest parts distributors and manufacturers will make DNA-marking a relatively hassle-free proposition. DNA marking should prove to be an effective technique in the fight against counterfeit IC's."

Premier provides one of the most comprehensive offerings of both final manufacturing and IC testing services in North America. They are a privately held entity with four locations located across the country that service a very diversified array of clients that include OCMs, OEMs, CMs, and distributors in commercial, automotive, military, aerospace, medical, and industrial market segments. Premier currently works extensively with many of the hi-rel contractors in providing their unique service offering. Several of those services that will add important value in the DNA-marking process including an extensive offering of verification (counterfeit) testing, electrical mil-std and upscreen testing, tape and reel and 3D scanning of IC's, and IC laser/ink marking. Premier has many qualifications/certifications including being ISO ISO-9001 : 2008 certified, ITAR Registered, DSCC, QML Approved, and DLA lab suitable.

Dr. James A. Hayward, President and CEO of Applied DNA Sciences, said, "We welcome Premier Semiconductor into the growing group of SigNature DNA partners working to make this technology powerful, practical and profitable for the entire electronics industry and its customers. We believe the synergies between our company and Premier are great, and we are confident they will continue to grow."

About Premier Semiconductor Services
Premier combines technical expertise, state-of-the-art equipment, extensive capacity and a top notch quality system to provide cost effective Final Manufacturing and IC Testing services. Their quality driven model provides for a "One-Stop-Shop" offering over twenty five different services. Multiple locations allow for quick-turn services throughout the country and the ability to off load and equalize work loads during peak demand periods. Premier has excelled in serving their customer's needs by maintaining a stable, innovative and team oriented approach. Throughout their long history Premier has proven itself to be one of the most well respected and diversified service and test organizations in the country. For a complete list of services and locations and for more information, visit www.premierS2.com.

To contact Premier:
Sales@premiers2.com
Corporate HQ phone - 480-736-1970

About Applied DNA Sciences

APDN is a provider of botanical-DNA based security and authentication solutions that can help protect products, brands and intellectual property of companies, governments and consumers from theft, counterfeiting, fraud and diversion. SigNature® DNA and smartDNA, our principal anti-counterfeiting and product authentication solutions that essentially cannot be copied, provide a forensic chain of evidence and can be used to prosecute perpetrators.

The statements made by APDN may be forward-looking in nature. 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 20, 2012 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.