Untargeted metabolomics-like screening approach for chemical characterization and differentiation of canopic jar and mummy samples from Ancient Egypt using GC-high resolution MS

The Analyst
Lana BrockbalsThomas Kraemer

Abstract

In Ancient Egypt it was common practice to embalm corpses and specific internal organs to ensure eternal life. The exact nature of the employed embalming fluids, particularly for organ preservation within the canopic jars, is debated. Therefore, the aim of the current study, was to chemically characterize and differentiate canopic jars (n = 28) and mummies (n = 6) using gas chromatography - high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HR MS) with a new untargeted metabolomics-like screening approach; as part of a larger minimal-invasive transdisciplinary study on Ancient Egyptian human tissues. Post-analytical data processing included deconvolution, screening against the NIST 14 spectral database as well as a high resolution metabolomics library, and positive peak evaluation. In the majority of samples the presence of a coniferous resin was indicated by the detection of longiborneol in combination with abietadiene acid derivatives and guajacol. Beeswax, proposedly used for symbolic reasons and/or as a binding agent, was detected in 10 samples. Previously not mentioned in the literature, but identified in the current sample set, were medical-related substances like aniseed constituents, salicylic acid, chamazulene and jacobine. By appl...Continue Reading

References

Aug 21, 2002·Accounts of Chemical Research·Richard P EvershedZoe Crossman
Oct 24, 2003·Nature·Johann KollerUlrich Weser
Apr 15, 2004·Phytochemistry·Mirka MacelPeter G L Klinkhamer
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Nov 19, 2011·Pharmacognosy Reviews·Ompal SinghManoj Kumar Srivastava
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Sep 21, 2016·Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences·K A ClarkR P Evershed

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Citations

May 28, 2019·Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·Lisa EisenbeissThomas Kraemer
Nov 24, 2019·Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·Lana BrockbalsAndrea E Steuer
Mar 27, 2021·Frontiers in Public Health·Elliott J PriceJana Klánová

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
thermal treatment
PCA

Software Mentioned

Xcalibur®
Maestro®
[UNK]
MetaboAnalyst
script
R

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