Application of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry for the Identification of Organic Compounds in Cultural Relics

As various kinds of organic materials own abundant information, it is significant to identify them in artworks to study the ancient science, technology, economy, culture and the protection of such kind of relics. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is an ideal method for the identification of organic residues in artworks due to the combination of high-performance separation with precisely quantitative analysis and micro sampling. This review mainly presents the application of GC-MS analytical technology in the characterization of proteins, lipids and polysaccharides in artworks, including the sample pre-treatment, GC-MS instrumental conditions and the mathematics models for identification. Additionally, some prospects of the development in this field are also discussed.