Research

Arguably, most of the cultural heritage objects produced using organic materials have high content of protein residues. The application of proteomics analysis based on high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) allows accurate and relatively affordable sequencing of any protein residue present in quantities above femtomoles, with no need to pre-define a target. As a consequence it is not only possible to confidently identify the protein complex present in a sample, but also the biological species, and in some cases even the tissue, originally used as the source of the material for the production of ancient objects. Proteomics technology also allows for biochemical characterisation of the damage ancient protein residues accumulate over millennia, providing, a rigorous approach to understand and quantify molecular damage affecting this category of biomolecules in cultural heritage material.

Members of the TEMPERA consortium are amongst the pioneers who first applied MS-based ancient protein sequencing in art and archaeology . Ancient protein sequencing was used (UoL) to identify food residues in archaeological pottery , or to characterise paint binders and the chemical damage affecting them (UoN). More recently, paleoproteomics methods allowed characterisation of proteins in mortars and identification of the species of origin of zooarchaeological remains, prehistoric skin garments (UCPH), or medieval parchment ( UoY). In the last year, UCPH demonstrated the feasibility of identification of protein-based wood adhesives. UoY pioneered the ZooMS technique for identification of animal remains.

Investigation of ancient samples presents specific challenges and requirements. All experimental phases require adjustments specific for cultural heritage material. In particular, only a close interaction and collaboration among museum curators, restorers and analytical scientists can lead to the development of innovative sampling procedures compatible with both analytical and conservation requirements. Most of the MS proteomics methods so far used are not initially designed for proteins heavily affected by extended fragmentation, contamination by environmental factors, and biomolecular damage accumulated over millennia.

The involvement of industrial partners in the TEMPERA network will allow access to their industrial expertise. Private-sector collaborators: Thermo and DEVRO, will benchmark their most advanced technological developments against this category of extremely demanding samples.