Project description DEENESFRITPL The analytical characterisation of ancient textiles Archaeologists have excavated many textiles. While some are well preserved, others present with signs of carbonisation and, in some cases, traces of colour are still visible. The analysis of archaeological textiles is not easy. To address related challenges, the EU-funded PARCA project will bring together dye analysis and proteomics to develop an innovative streamlined protocol. Specifically, it will combine dye and protein analysis in a single extraction to minimise sampling size. It will also use the latest methodologies and instrumental developments of liquid chromatography-orbitrap mass spectrometry to develop protocols that will be applicable to the most degraded archaeological textiles. PARCA will analyse archaeological relics from the Mediterranean Basin. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective The analysis of archaeological textiles is a challenging undertaking. These precious remains have been altered to the point that discerning their composition requires the development of high specialised analytical tools, characterized by high sensitivity and great versatility. In different sites, many textiles have been excavated, some well-preserved, some with signs of carbonisation; in some cases, traces of colour are still visible. PARCA project proposes to join forces between dye analysis and proteomics to develop an innovative streamlined protocol that would combine dye and protein analysis in a single extraction to minimise sampling size while maximising the amount of information obtained. It will be achieved through the most up-to-date methodologies and instrumental developments of Liquid Chromatography-Orbitrap-Mass Spectrometry to develop protocols that will be applicable to the most degraded archaeological textiles. The LC-MS data will be correlated with FTIR and SEM analyses, to determine the threshold of protein survival by non-destructive techniques prior to proteomics. The project will be carried out for the first 2 years at the Smithsonian Institution (Washington DC-USA), in the proteomics lab under the supervision of Dr. Caroline Solazzo. The third year, incoming phase, will be carried at Sapienza University of Rome, under the supervision of Prof. Roberta Curini. At the end, archaeological relics from the Mediterranean basin will be analysed, in particular samples from Pompeii and Vesuvian areas and from Greek areas. The success of this project will result in gaining new experience in the analytical characterization of ancient textiles, by enriching my background on dyes with the acquisition of a very high level of skills in the field of proteomics and in high resolution mass spectrometry. This knowledge will allow me to reach a leading profile as independent researcher and to strongly strengthen my position in the field of Cultural Heritage Science. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsproteomicshumanitieshistory and archaeologyhistoryengineering and technologymaterials engineeringtextilesnatural scienceschemical sciencesanalytical chemistrymass spectrometry Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2020 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2020 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF) Coordinator UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI ROMA LA SAPIENZA Net EU contribution € 269 002,56 Address Piazzale aldo moro 5 00185 Roma Italy See on map Region Centro (IT) Lazio Roma Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 Partners (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all Partner Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement. SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION United States Net EU contribution € 0,00 Address Jefferson drive 1000 20560 Washington dc See on map Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 177 265,92