Issue 8, 2021

Spectral characterisation of a traditional Mesoamerican dye: relationship between in situ identification on the 16th century Codex Borbonicus manuscript and composition of Justicia spicigera plant extract

Abstract

Characterisation of vegetal colourants in manuscripts is still a challenging task. Their identification using non-invasive techniques – since sampling is rarely possible – is valid only if there is evidence that the recorded signals are generated by compounds specific to the plant species. Otherwise, more extensive chemical characterisations are required to relate the non-invasive technique signals to the chemical composition of the dye extract and thus avoid misidentification. The case study of a traditional Mesoamerican dye found in the Codex Borbonicus is reported herein. The non-invasive identification of the colourant plant source and chemical characterisation of the coloured molecules were carried out through a multi-analytical technique approach. In situ Raman and UV-Vis emission fluorescence signals suggested the use of Justicia spicigera leaves to produce the brown paint layers of the manuscript. Analysis of the plant extract by liquid chromatography revealed that two compounds are mostly responsible for the colour, and these compounds were successfully isolated. Both contribute to the Raman spectra while only one of them is mainly responsible for the fluorescence recorded on Codex Borbonicus.

Graphical abstract: Spectral characterisation of a traditional Mesoamerican dye: relationship between in situ identification on the 16th century Codex Borbonicus manuscript and composition of Justicia spicigera plant extract

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
19 janv. 2021
Accepted
25 mars 2021
First published
31 mars 2021

Analyst, 2021,146, 2520-2530

Spectral characterisation of a traditional Mesoamerican dye: relationship between in situ identification on the 16th century Codex Borbonicus manuscript and composition of Justicia spicigera plant extract

L. Arberet, F. Pottier, A. Michelin, W. Nowik, L. Bellot-Gurlet and C. Andraud, Analyst, 2021, 146, 2520 DOI: 10.1039/D1AN00113B

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