Services

Archaeological Science is the fastest growing field in Archaeology and it is fundamentally led by biomolecular analysis, namely, the study of ancient molecules in organic and inorganic materials. Biomolecular analysis is also of great interest in palaeoecology, notably for taxonomic identification and functional studies, such as trophic ecology.

BIOMAP provides commercial and scientific services to accommodate the growing demand for the study of ancient biomolecules in UAB, Iberian Peninsula and beyond.

BIOMAP

Biomolecular Archaeology and Palaeoecology Lab

BIOMAP facilities are fully equipped for the extraction of collagen and ancient proteins from biological tissues (e.g. bone, dental calculus, leather) and inorganic materials (e.g. ceramic artefacts, stone tools). We routinely perform lab work for two main research fields: palaeoproteomics, organic (collagen) and inorganic (carbonate) stable isotopes (C, N, O, S). The dedicated facilities are managed by the research group EarlyFoods and include:

  • Facilities for the handling, cutting and drilling of bone, tooth, shell and ceramic artefacts.  
  • Facilities for collagen extraction for peptide mass fingerprinting (ZooMS) (e.g. Centrifuges, Dry bath heating blocks, Ultrasonic bath, Vortex, Telestar LyoQuest freeze dryer).  
  • Dedicated equipment for full protein extraction (e.g. Laminar flow cabinet, Microcentrifuge, Micropipettes, Magnetic racks, Thermal shaker).