Raman Spectroscopy in Archeochemistry: investigation on the Mochica culture traces from Sipan. I. Investigation on carotenoids in shells of archaeological interest

• Grant number: 16/06495-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2016
• End date: February 28, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Dalva Lucia Araujo de Faria
• Grantee: Giovanna Bonetti Ramos
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 12/13119-3 - Vibrational spectroscopy in condensed phases, AP.TEM

Abstract

In this research Project Raman microscopy will be employed in the investigation of contemporary and archaeological Peruvian Spondylus seashells aiming at (I) to evaluate the possibility of using the current protocols based on the resonance Raman spectrum of carotenoids for the identification of the seashells found in the archeological site of Sipán (Chiclayo, Peru); (II) to clarify whether time plays any role on the position of the carotenoids Raman bands and (III) to investigate whether the carbonatic matrix exerts any protetive effect on the carotenoid degradation. (AU)