Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. Names Technology Pioneer Rob Hutchison to Board of Directors.

Business Editors

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 17, 2003

Former President and CTO of eCharge will Assist Company with

Enhancements to DNA-embedded Security Technology

Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (OTCBB: APDN), a provider of proprietary embedded-DNA security applications, today announced the appointment of technology innovator and business entrepreneur R.B. "Rob" Hutchison. As an independent director of the company and a member of the Board, he will provide guidance for strategic business development. Hutchison, 47, has more than 23 years of experience in the field of information technology. The company's offerings include proprietary DNA-embedded biotechnology security applications, using plant DNA, that verify authenticity and protect corporate and government agencies from counterfeiting, fraud, piracy, product diversion, identity theft and unauthorized intrusion.

Most recently, Hutchison joined the Board of Directors of PowerHouse Technologies Group, Inc. (OTC: PWHT.PK - News), the developer of mobile computing solutions that enhance personal productivity. He is the founder of several companies, including eCharge Corporation of Seattle, Washington, specialists in alternative payment methods for the Internet. Hutchison served as eCharge's president and chief technical officer and played an integral role in raising in excess of $90 million in private funding. Hutchison pioneered, and holds the patent pending on, unique digital certificate technology using Bio-metrics that enabled eCharge to provide secure Internet commerce transactions.

"Rob has an extensive background in developing and distributing global security technologies and managing high-tech companies. He will be of great assistance to us as our company grows," said Larry Lee, chief executive officer of Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. "He will work closely with our product development team providing guidance for the Applied DNA products. "

Prior to co-founding eCharge, Hutchison was president of Canada-based SNI Corporation, specialists in the integration of SUN Microsystems UNIX-based systems and Internet and computer firewall security. SNI served as lead architects of BC Telephone's Sympatico Internet service. Hutchison also served as the western regional director of sales and operations for Everex Canada Inc., and as vice president and co-founder of Vivox International Inc.

Hutchison, remains on the Board of Directors of eCharge. He retired from the company in 2002 to assist in the development of several start-ups and mature technology companies, including Bit Learning, Via Vis Technologies Inc., One Person Health Inc. and Applied DNA Canada. Hutchison is member of the Board of Directors of Golden Goliath Resources and Serebra Learning Corporations.

Hutchinson commented, "As security continues to dominate global concerns, innovative technology such as Applied DNA Sciences' embedded-DNA solutions will replace traditional technologies, enhancing identity theft, unauthorized intrusion and counterfeiting."

About Applied DNA Sciences, Inc.

Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. provides proprietary DNA-embedded biotechnology security applications, using non-human DNA, that verify authenticity and protect corporate and government agencies from counterfeiting, fraud, piracy, product diversion, identity theft and unauthorized intrusion. Applied DNA Sciences has an exclusive licensing and partnership agreement covering North America and Europe with Biowell Technology, Inc. (http://www.biowell.com.tw/eng) of Taiwan. The company develops, markets, and sub-licenses DNA security systems, supply-chain management systems and anti-counterfeit solutions. Applied DNA Sciences' technology addresses the more than $350 billion of counterfeit products sold each year as well as the multi-billion dollar homeland security market. Applied DNA Sciences' headquarters are is located at 9255 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90069. Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]; or visit www.ADNAS.com.

The statements made by Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (the Company) 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 the Company'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 Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. Actual results could differ materially from those projected due to changes in interest rates, market competition, changes in the local and national economies, and various other factors. The Company 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.