Integrating attenuated total reflectance–fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and multidetector computed tomography for analysis of heat-induced changes in bone

Leskovar, Tamara (author), Cavalli, Fabio (author), Legan, Lea (author), Innocenti, Dario (author), Ropret, Polonca (author), Črešnar, Matija (author)

Abstract: archaeological records and can also be subjects of forensic investigations. Heat exposure causes specific changes to the physical and chemical characteristics of these remains, offer ing valuable insights into their taphonomic history. This research combines the commonly used ATR-FTIR (Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared) spectroscopy with the rarely utilised density measurements obtained from Multidetector CT (Computed Tomography) to investigate changes in defleshed bovine cortical bone exposed to different temperatures for varying durations. The inclusion of density measurements is significant because Multidetector CT analysis is non-destructive and can be valuable when remains cannot be removed from their burial context (e.g., urn) or cannot be damaged. The results indicate complex changes in both organic and inorganic components, affecting crystallinity and density. Lower temperatures primarily affect organic matter, while higher temperatures induce significant changes in the mineral lattice and phase transitions. The transforma tion from β-tricalcium phosphate to α-tricalcium phosphate at high temperatures likely impacts the bone’s crystallinity and density. Bone density measured by CT scans provided additional information that complemented the interpretations of FTIR spectroscopy. While CT scans offer important data for planning non-destructive analyses of remains, they present only one layer of information. Therefore, CT scans need to be combined with other techniques to provide comprehensive interpretations of the changes occurring in the bone. Further research is needed on density measurements and other potentially non-destructive analyses to fully unlock the potential of Multidetector CT analyses.

• Language: English
• Keywords: skeletal remains, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, Multidetector CT, FTIR indices, density, cremation
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: FF - Faculty of Arts; FKKT - Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2025
• Number of pages: Str. 1-15
• Numbering: Vol. 18, No. 742
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-168042
• UDC: 572:902
• ISSN on article: 1996-1944
• COBISS.SI-ID: 230353411
• Publication date in RUL: 26.03.2025

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Materials
• Shortened title: Materials
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 1996-1944
• COBISS.SI-ID: 33588485

Licences

• License: CC BY-NC 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
• Description: A creative commons license that bans commercial use, but the users don’t have to license their derivative works on the same terms.

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: skelet, skelentni ostanki, ATR-FTIR spektroskopija, multidetektor CT, FTIR indeksi, gostota, kremacija