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Headspace solid phase microextraction for screening for the presence of resins in Egyptian archaeological samples
Author(s) -
Hamm Sandrine,
Bleton Jean,
Tchapla Alain
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of separation science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.72
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1615-9314
pISSN - 1615-9306
DOI - 10.1002/jssc.200301611
Subject(s) - solid phase microextraction , chromatography , chemistry , fraction (chemistry) , sample preparation , gas chromatography–mass spectrometry , mass spectrometry
The aim of this study was to use headspace solid phase microextraction (SPME) to reveal the presence of resin in archaeological samples, such as mummification balms, from ancient Egypt. Experiments were first performed with fresh resins of known origin. The SPME fibre readily extracted mono‐ and sesquiterpenes and, to a lesser extent, diterpenes. Using mass spectra and retention indices of constitutive compounds, qualitative analysis of the volatile fraction allowed us to differentiate resins or gum‐resins such as myrrh, olibanum, galbanum, labdanum, mastic, and conifer resins. SPME was then successfully applied to archaeological samples from ancient Egypt in which the presence of resins was detected. Volatile components were desorbed and trapped according to the same SPME procedure as was applied to fresh resins, after a sample preparation consisting of a fine grinding.