Characterization of proteinaceous glues in old paintings by separation of the o-phtalaldehyde derivatives of their amino acids by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

A HPLC-fluorescence method for characterization of proteinaceous glues from binding media used in pictorial works of art prior to conservation or restoration treatment is proposed. Fluorescence derivatization of amino acids released by acid hydrolysis of standard proteins is studied. The derivatization reagent was o-phtalaldehyde with 2-mercaptoethanol as catalyst. Mobile phase was a programmed gradient among two eluents (water buffered at pH 5.8 wit 5% THF, and methanol) and is able to satisfactorily resolve the amino acid derivatives in 45 min. Peak area ratios among amino acid derivatives and the leucine derivative are useful to characterize the proteins. The method shows good sensitivity and adequate linearity between 2.0 × 10−3 and 3.3 mmol/l of each amino acid, with a limit of detection of 6.0 × 10−4 mmol/l. The proposed method has been successfully applied to artistic samples from items of the cultural heritage of Valencia (Spain).