Snapshots of lignin oxidation and depolymerization in archaeological wood: an EGA‐MS study

• Published in: Journal of mass spectrometry. Vol. 50; no. 10; p. ii
• Main Authors: Tamburini, D., Łucejko, J‐J., Ribechini, E., Colombini, M‐P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bognor Regis Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-10-2015
• ISSN: 1076-5174; 1096-9888
• DOI: 10.1002/jms.3495

Wooden artifacts can reveal valuable clues about ancient cultures and environmental changes. However, wooden artifacts are found only where conditions limit the natural processes of biological decay. Wood consists largely of 3 molecular components: cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin. Activity by insects and microorganisms breaks down these compounds through a variety of degradation processes that can be difficult to characterize. In the Special Feature Ribechini and co‐workers at the University of Pisa and National Research Council in Florence introduce Evolved Gas Analysis Mass Spectrometry (EGA‐MS) as a tool to probe lignin alterations in waterlogged neolithic oak. Results from preserved wood, sampled along the growth rings, were compared with EGA‐MS analyses from sound wood to reveal chemical differences between core and surface materials.