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Optimization of method for compound specific isotope analysis of lipids extracted from archaeological bone.

A. Laffey 1, A. R. Zimmerman 2, M-Y Ahn 2, J.S. Krigbaum 1.

1.Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, 2.Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida.

The stable carbon isotopic signatures (d13C) of bone-derived materials are well known as a source of human paleodiet information. While the majority of studies have focused on bulk bone, collagen and bone apatite, bone lipids are important to consider. First, as the lipid fraction is generally more isotopically depleted than other bone components, its presence may lead to misinterpretation of collagen or bone apatite signatures. Second, the d13C signature of lipid compounds may provide additional paleodietary information. However, the removal or harvesting of bone lipids, usually performed by either soxhlet or ultrasonication, is both time and labor intensive.

 

The goals of this research are to:
1) Optimize the efficiency of bone lipid extraction using Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE),
2) Compare the d13C signatures of cholesterol extracted by a variety of PLE procedures with collagen and apatite bone fractions, and
3) Examine the relationships between total lipid and cholesterol abundance and the d13C signature in human bone from various contexts.

 

ASE