Applied DNA Sciences Introduces Its DNA-Embedded Contactless Reader System at the International Security Conference West.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

ISC West 2004

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 31, 2004

New DNA-Embedded Contactless Reader Provides Multi-Layer Security

Access System Solutions

Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (OTCBB: APDN), a provider of proprietary DNA-embedded security products and services that protect corporate and intellectual property from counterfeiting and fraud, today announced the debut of the new contactless reader feature for its Applied DNA(TM) Security Access System at the ISC West show in Las Vegas, March 31-April 2, 2004. The Applied DNA-embedded contactless technology can be integrated in commercial time and attendance software as well as in existing security access systems.

This feature will enable authentication and verification of a security access or ID card at a distance without inserting it into the slot reader to prevent individual and corporate identity theft and unauthorized intrusion. This product will be previewed at the New Product Showcase, a semi-annual new products competition, and is displayed at booth #21077.

The anti-counterfeit Applied DNA Security Access System is a state-of-the-art biotechnology system comprised of the Applied DNA(TM) Chip and the Applied DNA(TM) Access Control Chip Reader. It offers both logical and physical access control in a single reader that is available with a keypad entry and LCD display, which can read and authenticate DNA-embedded technology through contact or proximity contactless range. It is available with a separate keypad or in the same reader system. These features are compatible with the combo (combination) security access cards that offer both standard security (contactless) and high-level security (contact) features.

"This is our second year at this premiere industry event and we are excited to participate in the New Product Showcase," said Rob Hutchison, chairman and chief executive officer of Applied DNA Sciences. "Our DNA-embedded security access technology has been recognized by the judges in the past as an innovative technology for security solutions. This is yet another example of multi-layer technology demonstrating Applied DNA Sciences' ability to enhance security in existing technologies."

The Applied DNA Sciences technology incorporates combinations of plant DNA that are embedded into a non-silicon based microchip (Applied DNA(TM) Chip) using a proprietary technique. The unique characteristics and combinations of these DNA sequences are used as tools to differentiate and verify product authenticity. The Security Access System is secure, versatile and uses credit card type media that is read with a slot reader in a contact or contactless point system for instant authentication. The company's proprietary production techniques have overcome the technical obstacles to stabilizing this DNA for more than 100 years.

In 2003, Applied DNA Sciences received the Best of Show Innovation award from the Security Industry Association (SIA) in the organization's New Product Showcase at the 2003 National Summit on Security held in Washington D.C. The company was also honored with the Product Achievement Award for Access Control, which is bestowed on the product that offers true innovation and satisfies a customer need not currently met by an existing industry product.

SIA's New Product Showcase is an internationally recognized promotion and awards program, which is held twice each year at the ISC EXPO West and at the National Summit on Security (NSS), previously ISC East. Designers and manufacturers of electronic security products, peripherals and services are invited to submit their newest products and services for this industry-wide, nationally-recognized competition.

About Applied DNA Technology

Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. provides proprietary DNA-embedded biotechnology security solutions, using non-human DNA, that verify authenticity and protect corporate and government agencies from counterfeiting, fraud, piracy, product diversion, identity theft and unauthorized access. Applied DNA Sciences has an exclusive licensing and partnership agreement covering North America, South America, Europe and the Middle East 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. The company is headquartered at 9229 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.