Petrous bone diagenesis: a multi-analytical approach

Ioannis Kontopoulos*, Kirsty Penkman, Graeme D. McAllister, Niels Lynnerup, Peter B. Damgaard, Henrik B. Hansen, Morten E. Allentoft, Matthew J. Collins

*Corresponding author for this work
23 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The discovery of petrous bone as an excellent repository for ancient biomolecules has been a turning point in biomolecular archaeology, especially in aDNA research, but excessive and uncontrolled sampling could result in loss of this valuable resource for future research. This study reports on the histological (optical microscopy), physical (FTIR-ATR), elemental (CHN) and biochemical (collagen and DNA analysis) preservation of 15 human petrous bones spanning from the c. 2100 BCE to 1850 CE. Through the combined application of a number of diagenetic parameters (general histological index; infrared splitting factor; carbonate/phosphate ratio; amide/phosphate ratio; col wt%; % C, % N and C/N of whole bone and collagen; % endogenous DNA), we provide new insights into petrous bone micromorphological characteristics and diagenesis, and new evidence to enhance screening practices for aDNA and collagen analysis.

Original languageEnglish
JournalPalaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology
Volume518
Pages (from-to)143-154
Number of pages12
ISSN0031-0182
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Mar 2019

Keywords

  • aDNA
  • Bioapatite
  • Collagen
  • Diagenesis
  • Microstructure
  • Petrous bone

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