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Ultrasensitive chemiluminescent immunochemical identification and localization of protein components in painting cross-sections by microscope low-light imaging

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Abstract

The characterization and localization of proteins and other organic components in the complex stratigraphy of paintings is crucial for authentication and studies of painting techniques. With this aim we have developed a new ultrasensitive immunochemical procedure for the detection of the protein ovalbumin (chicken egg white albumin), present in binding media or varnishes, in painting cross-sections. The technique is based on chemiluminescence imaging detection combined with optical microscopy, and allowed the sensitive localization of the target protein in cross-sections with high spatial resolution. In order to evaluate its performance, the method was first applied to standard samples (also containing different common pigments), then used for the localization of ovalbumin in samples obtained from a Renaissance wood painting.

Left: image of a cross-section of a painting standard sample with a layer of egg tempera and smalt pigment (blue grains). Right: chemiluminescence image of the same sample showing the localization of the signal corresponding to the egg tempera layer. Bar represents 200 μm.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126, Bologna, Italy

    Luisa Stella Dolci, Massimo Guardigli, Manuela Rizzoli & Aldo Roda

  2. Microchemistry and Microscopy Art Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Bologna, Via Tombesi dall’Ova 55, 48100, Ravenna, Italy

    Giorgia Sciutto, Silvia Prati & Rocco Mazzeo

Authors
  1. Luisa Stella Dolci
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  2. Giorgia Sciutto
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  3. Massimo Guardigli
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  4. Manuela Rizzoli
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  5. Silvia Prati
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  6. Rocco Mazzeo
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  7. Aldo Roda
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Correspondence to Aldo Roda.

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Dolci, L.S., Sciutto, G., Guardigli, M. et al. Ultrasensitive chemiluminescent immunochemical identification and localization of protein components in painting cross-sections by microscope low-light imaging. Anal Bioanal Chem 392, 29–35 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-008-2023-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-008-2023-y

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