In a study published in ACS’ Journal of Proteome Research, researchers analyzed the proteins in wheat-based glues commonly used in historic bookbinding to understand their adhesiveness and degradation process. Wheat-based glues have been used in bookbinding since Ancient Egypt, but little is known about their protein makeup. By creating protein profiles for both flour and starch glues, the researchers were able to identify differences between them and determine that starch glue, made from proteins that remain after most of the gluten is removed, is potentially a better choice than flour glue for book repairs. This information could help book conservators choose the best materials and approaches for restoring and preserving old books for future generations.
Using mass spectrometry data and bioinformatics software, the researchers extracted proteins from lab-made versions of flour and starch glues to create proteomes. They found that flour glue has more proteins, and a wider variety of them, than starch glue. The proteins in starch glue were also shown to be particularly durable and flexible, suggesting that it may be a more effective adhesive for book repairs. The team then applied their protein profiles to analyze historic book binding samples from the National Library of Medicine (NLM) archives, confirming that the adhesives were flour-based and identifying degraded gluten in the samples. This degradation could indicate damage and a loss of stickiness, potentially leading to faster overall deterioration of the books.
The researchers also discovered that the chemical breakdown of leather and glue in a book’s cover could impact each other, potentially accelerating the deterioration process. By identifying these interactions through protein analysis, conservators could determine when a book needs repair, ultimately preventing it from being damaged or destroyed. This study highlights the importance of protein analysis in guiding conservation efforts for historic books and other artifacts. The results demonstrate the potential for proteomic research to provide valuable insights into the preservation of cultural heritage objects, aiding conservators in their work to maintain these treasures for future generations.
This research was conducted with support from the National Library of Medicine, highlighting the collaboration between scientific research and cultural institutions in the preservation of historical artifacts. By studying the proteins in wheat-based glues used in bookbinding, researchers are gaining a better understanding of how these adhesives function and degrade over time. This knowledge can help inform conservation strategies for old books, ensuring that they are restored and preserved in a way that maintains their integrity for future readers and scholars. The study showcases the potential of proteomic analysis to contribute to the conservation and restoration of valuable cultural heritage objects, offering new insights and techniques for preserving these treasures for generations to come.
