M. Zanello, J. Pallud, S. Jacqueline, A. Augias, P. Varlet, B. Devaux, O. Nielsen, D. Abi Haidar and P. Charlier
Autofluorescence analysis allows new insights on human tissue without
any dye in a non-invasive way and therefore seems well suited to study
historical samples. An optical set-up recorded emitted autofluorescence
in 1/spectral and 2/lifetime domains from different samples’ regions of
interest. The studied samples were: a mummified right hand; bog body
(Tollund Man) feet, and a Caucasian male hand (control sample). Spectral
analysis revealed that mummified hand exhibited broad autofluorescence
spectra whereas Tollund Man feet exhibited a weak single peak with
405 nm excitation wavelength. Control sample spectra is weaker than that
of the mummified hand but higher than the Tollund Man feet's. Lifetime
measurements indicated the presence of classical endogenous fluorophores
on the mummified right hand. The Tollund Man feet exhibited two
patterns of lifetime measurements: healthy zone exhibited lifetime
values at 4 emission wavelengths but skin lesions at only 2 wavelengths.
This first report of mummified samples’ autofluorescence analysis
suggests the potential of optical analysis for archeologic research.
Voir l'article en ligne : oa.2583
Voir l'article en ligne : oa.2583
