The Taphonomy of Archaeological Molecular Biomarkers

Project Rationale:

Molecular biomarkers have the potential to reveal archaeologically invisible aspects of the past. Biomarkers (specifically lipids) extracted from pottery have been related to food processing and consumption and have fed into big picture debates such as the origins and spread of dairying and the rise of the lactase persistence gene. While most of the work has been done using biomarkers in pottery, recent work has shown their potential to be preserved in other contexts such as sediments and hearths. This project would look at the preservation of archaeologically relevant biomarkers from different environments and contexts with a view to expanding the range of substrates targeted for future biomarker analysis. These would include sediments and residues from shipwrecks, lake sediments associated with settlements (e.g. swiss lake villages, hebridean crannogs, etc.) and cave sediments associated with human and Neanderthal occupation.

Methodology:

Routine in-house analytical techniques (GC-FID, GC-MS/MS, FT-MS) would largely be used, though some method development would be required to optimize biomarker extraction methods of the various substrates and in the analysis of biomarkers of interest. Cave and shipwreck sediments are in hand, but some fieldwork may be required to collect further samples. Libraries of biomarkers are in routine use, but some experimental work may be required to characterize novel biomarkers if they are present.

Training:

The INSPIRE DTP programme provides comprehensive personal and professional development training alongside extensive opportunities for students to expand their multi-disciplinary outlook through interactions with a wide network of academic, research and industrial/policy partners. The student will be registered at the University of Southampton and hosted at Archaeology.

Specific training will include:
Wet chemical extraction and purification of samples. Analytical methodologies (GC/GC-MS/FT-MS), data reduction and interpretation. Archaeologically training will be provided through attendance on relevant MSc. Modules.