Comparison and Research Progress of Protein Detection Technology for Cultural Relic Materials

Abstract

The analysis of historical materials is an essential component of cultural heritage conservation. Protein was one of the most important and pervasive organic substances in ancient human societies. Through the qualitative and quantitative examination of protein-based materials, it is possible to clarify their source and functions of substances in cultural heritages, investigate the manufacturing technology of cultural heritage, and identify their deterioration mechanism. On the basis of these analyses, corresponding measurements are therefore feasible. Currently, mass spectrometry, chromatography, spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic, proteomics, and immunoassay are used to analyse protein materials. Proteomics techniques and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technology are two of the most common methods for detecting ancient proteins. This article discusses the evolution of protein component detection in ancient materials, as well as the implementation of proteomics and ELISA techniques for the analysis of proteins. In addition, the characteristics of these two techniques were contrasted in order to propose the most recent analytical techniques and the direction of future research.