Determination of Peach Gum in Ancient Chinese Paintings by Biotin–Streptavidin-Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

A groundbreaking analysis of ancient Chinese paintings, including those at the Dazu Rock Carvings and the Forbidden City, reveals diverse binder materials with high sensitivity. Peach gum, a widely used exudate gum in ancient China, was detected alongside collagen, ovalbumin, casein, and lacquer using a biotin–streptavidin-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (BA-ELISA). This method demonstrated exceptional specificity for identifying peach gum, a key finding that underscores its prevalence in historical artworks. The study highlights the efficiency of ELISA in analyzing binders, providing valuable insights into the composition and conservation of ancient paintings.

Wu, M., Zhang, B., Zhang, Q., Cheng, Q., Jiang, S., & Li, L. (2023). Determination of Peach Gum in Ancient Chinese Paintings by Biotin–Streptavidin-Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Studies in Conservation, 69(1), 17–25. https://doi.org/10.1080/00393630.2023.2174798