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Immunochemical Micro Imaging Analyses for the Detection of Proteins in Artworks

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Abstract

The present review is aimed at reporting on the most advanced and recent applications of immunochemical imaging techniques for the localization of proteins within complex and multilayered paint stratigraphies. Indeed, a paint sample is usually constituted by the superimposition of different layers whose characterization is fundamental in the evaluation of the state of conservation and for addressing proper restoration interventions. Immunochemical methods, which are based on the high selectivity of antigen–antibody reactions, were proposed some years ago in the field of cultural heritage. In addition to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for protein identification, immunochemical imaging methods have also been explored in the last decades, thanks to the possibility to localize the target analytes, thus increasing the amount of information obtained and thereby reducing the number of samples and/or analyses needed for a comprehensive characterization of the sample. In this review, chemiluminescent, spectroscopic and electrochemical imaging detection methods are discussed to illustrate potentialities and limits of advanced immunochemical imaging systems for the analysis of paint cross-sections.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, Microchemistry and Microscopy Art Diagnostic Laboratory (M2ADL), University of Bologna, Ravenna Campus, Via Guaccimanni 42, 48100, Ravenna, Italy

    Giorgia Sciutto, Silvia Prati & Rocco Mazzeo

  2. Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy

    Martina Zangheri, Massimo Guardigli, Mara Mirasoli & Aldo Roda

Authors
  1. Giorgia Sciutto
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  2. Martina Zangheri
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  3. Silvia Prati
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  4. Massimo Guardigli
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  5. Mara Mirasoli
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  6. Rocco Mazzeo
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  7. Aldo Roda
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Correspondence to Giorgia Sciutto.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection “Analytical Chemistry for Cultural Heritage”.

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Sciutto, G., Zangheri, M., Prati, S. et al. Immunochemical Micro Imaging Analyses for the Detection of Proteins in Artworks. Top Curr Chem (Z) 374, 32 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41061-016-0033-3

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