Oakland-based Cybergenetics has landed a $1.5 million contract to put names to the more than 1,100 unidentified victims of the 9/11 attacks on New York's World Trade Center.

Cybergenetics founder and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mark Perlin will work with a team of five to analyze and match DNA samples compiled from the more than 20,000 body parts uncovered at Ground Zero -- many of which were too severely damaged by smoldering fires and water to produce substantial data.

To help the families achieve closure, the New York City medical examiner's office has compiled personal effects of those who are still considered "missing." Family members donated hairbrushes, toothbrushes, razors and worn unwashed clothing.

"With all of these personal items with cells -- we can create a profile," said medical examiner's officer spokeswoman Ellen Borakove. In turn, "those profiles can be matched directly to the remains."

Cybergenetics' flagship product, TrueAllele technology, compares, contrasts and matches DNA data 1,000 times faster than humans can, Dr. Perlin said.

"The advantage of the computer in this case is time and information," he said. "It can work a lot faster and get much more informative results than people can."

Dr. Perlin said Cybergenetics will be extracting the DNA information at its Oakland offices with the hopes of producing initial results in the next two to three months.

First Published: September 6, 2006, 4:00 a.m.