5 CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that protein present in art objects or used in conservation may be identified on the basis of their amino acid composition through gas chromatographic analysis of ethyl chloroformate derivatives. The method is rapid, is sensitive to low concentrations of amino acids, and affords data that are consistent with HPLC and ion chromatography results reported in the literature. Detection of significant amounts of hydroxyproline in many plant gums, especially gum arabic, complicates the identification of glue and gelatin in paint and adhesives. The relative amounts of all amino acids should be taken into consideration in order to avoid misinterpretation of results.