A basic mathematical simulation of the chemical degradation of ancient bone

MJ Collins, Michael S. Riley, A. M. Child, Gordon Turner-Walker

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Abstract

The diagenesis of ancient bone collagen appears bewildering in its variety. We have simulated collagen diagenesis using a simple conceptual model in which the degradation is controlled by two key processes: (i) depolymerization of collagen
by chemical hydrolysis of peptide bonds; and (ii) dissolution (i.e. melting free) of those polypeptide fragments retained by fewer than a critical number of hydrogen bonds, biodeterioration being ignored. The model predicts that the curve describing weight loss is approximately sigmoidal in form, a pattern in accord with the sparse experimental data for non-mineralized collagen. The conclusion from studies of mineralized collagen is that the weight loss curve is
exponential (i.e. a first-order reaction), but we argue that the experimental design of those studies was flawed. Other predictions of the model relating to the changing size distribution of residual fragments, N-termini, physical properties and significance of cross-linking are reported. Cross-linking appears to be a particularly significant phenomenon, which causes a marked tailing of the weight loss curve and thus the enhanced preservation of cross-linked, low collagen bone. The validity of applying this simple conceptual model to archaeological collagen is discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)175-183
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Archaeological Science
Volume22
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 1995

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