Chemical, enzymatic and spectroscopic characterization of “collagen” and other organic fractions from prehistoric bones

摘要: Abstract Three organic fractions from 9 modern bones were prepared: collagen, the HC1 insoluble fraction, and soluble fraction. The fraction that has same solubility characteristics as collagen (referred to herein “collagen”) 44 prehistoric also prepared. Of these 44,17 had “collagen” with δ 13 C 15 N values ratios within ranges displayed by animals ate types of food, whereas in remaining samples clear evidence diagenetic isotopic and/ or elemental alteration based on comparisons collagen. characterized terms amino acid compositions infrared spectra three fractions, low molecular weight products reaction between collagenase “collagen.” For all analytical procedures, whose not suffered and/or produced results similar those obtained samples, altered did not. Application chemical, enzymatic spectroscopic methods presented here should permit unequivocable identification have postmortem their compositions, including undergone more subtle shifts than can be identified changes ratio, only criterion applied date for identifying samples. Some techniques we used identify readily prepared “collagen”, thereby facilitating screening large numbers order eliminate unsuitable paleodietary analysis. criteria established stable could characterize radiocarbon analysis, leading accurate dating bone.