ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to develop a strategy for identifying proteins in painting binding media using proteomics methodology. A preliminary extraction of proteins was realized and quantified with colorimetric method. The study of proteins in Cultural Heritage is an analytical challenge for many reasons: samples are available in tiny amounts; the proteins are encased in a complex solid media and modified by ageing and other external conditions. Chromatography techniques in the cultural heritage analysis are based on the determination of the composition of amino acids resulting of the hydrolysis of the proteins present in the sample, after when necessary, derivatization of the sample. Amino acids, the building units of proteins, have been first identified in the past using thin layer chromatography. The thin layer chromatography technique was, for example, developed to study the glue present in museum objects. The quantitative amino acid analysis was done by ion exchange chromatography and optical density measurement of ninhydrin derivatives.
