A simple protocol for Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization- time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) analysis of lipids and proteins in single microsamples of paintings

• Published in: Analytica chimica acta Vol. 718; pp. 1 - 10
• Main Authors: van der Werf, Inez D., Calvano, Cosima D., Palmisano, Francesco, Sabbatini, Luigia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 09.03.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Analytical chemistry; Binders; Biological and medical sciences; Bligh–Dyer; Byproducts; Chemistry; Conservation science; Diverse techniques; Exact sciences and technology; Extraction; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; History, 15th Century; Italy; Lipidomics; Lipids; Lipids - analysis; Lipids - isolation & purification; MALDI-TOF-MS; Mathematical analysis; Molecular and cellular biology; Paint - analysis; Paint binder; Paintings - history; Panels; Proteins; Proteins - analysis; Proteins - isolation & purification; Proteomics; Spectrometric and optical methods; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization - economics; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization - methods; Italy; Conservation science; Lipidomics; MALDI-TOF-MS; Bligh–Dyer; Paint binder; Proteomics; Organic binder; Peptides; Conservation; Microanalysis; Phospholipid; Lipids; Identification; Time; Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization; Sample preparation; Efficiency; Pigments; Extraction; Oxidation; Detergent; Purification; Use; Digestion; Paint; Protein; Bligh-Dyer; Time of flight method; Animal; Fingerprint method; Detection; By product; Mass spectrometry; Drying
• ISSN: 0003-2670; 1873-4324
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2011.12.056

. [Display omitted] ► BD extraction and MALDI for fast identification of binders in single microsamples. ► Simultaneous extraction of lipids and proteins from pigmented paint layers. ► Use of RapiGest to improve efficiency of protein digestion and purification step. ► Investigation of the effect of pigments on ageing of lipids and proteins. ► Application of the protocol to the study of a 15th century Italian panel painting. A simple protocol, based on Bligh–Dyer (BD) extraction followed by MALDI-TOF-MS analysis, for fast identification of paint binders in single microsamples is proposed. For the first time it is demonstrated that the BD method is effective for the simultaneous extraction of lipids and proteins from complex, and atypical matrices, such as pigmented paint layers. The protocol makes use of an alternative denaturing anionic detergent (RapiGest™) in order to improve efficiency of protein digestion and purification step. Detection of various lipid classes, such as triacylglycerols (TAGs) and phospholipids (PLs), and their oxidation by-products was accomplished, whereas proteins could be identified by peptide mass fingerprinting. The effect of pigments on ageing of lipids and proteins was also investigated. Finally, the proposed protocol was successfully applied to the study of a late-15th century Italian panel painting allowing the identification of various proteinaceous and lipid sections in organic binders, such as egg yolk, egg white, animal glue, casein, and drying oil.