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Published on: August 15, 2018
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Acidification does not alter the stable isotope composition of bone collagen
Tess Wilson1,2, Paul Szpak1
1Department of Anthropology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
Peerj
|June 20, 2022
Summary
Mineral acid demineralization does not alter bone collagen isotope values (δ15N and δ13C). Whole bone samples are not comparable to demineralized collagen for stable isotope analysis, emphasizing collagen extraction necessity.
Area of Science:
- Paleoproteomics
- Isotope Geochemistry
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Bone collagen stable isotope analysis is crucial for ecological and archaeological research.
- Demineralization methods can potentially alter bone collagen composition.
- Understanding the impact of demineralization agents is vital for accurate isotopic measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if mineral acid demineralization alters bone collagen's δ15N and δ13C values.
- To compare the isotopic composition of collagen extracted using acidic and neutral agents.
- To assess the suitability of whole bone as a substitute for demineralized collagen in isotopic studies.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of elemental and isotopic composition of modern and ancient bone samples.
- Pre-treatment of bone samples using hydrochloric acid (HCl) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).
- Analysis of stable isotope compositions (δ15N and δ13C) in extracted collagen and whole bone.
Main Results:
- Demineralization with HCl or EDTA did not significantly alter the δ15N and δ13C values of bone collagen.
- Stable isotope compositions of collagen extracted with HCl and EDTA were not significantly different.
- Whole bone samples showed significantly different stable isotope compositions compared to demineralized collagen.
Conclusions:
- Mineral acids like HCl do not compromise the integrity of bone collagen for stable isotope analysis.
- Whole bone is not a reliable substitute for demineralized bone collagen in isotopic studies.
- Sample pre-treatment to isolate collagen is essential for reliable and reproducible bone stable isotope measurements in ecological and archaeological research.
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