Innovative Approaches to Structurally-Functional Analysis and Long-Term Conservation of Fossil Biological Objects. Combined Radiation Sterilization

Purpose: The possibilities of using a combined sterilization method for biological samples of mammoths and other ancient animals using ozone and radiation effects are considered. One of the objectives of the study is to optimize the parameters of the proposed method based on the analysis of processing efficiency, conducting model evaluations and experimental work to ensure the safety of the material and compliance with safety requirements when working with fossil objects. Material and methods: The research material was samples from the femur bones of mammoth. To study them, a set of physical methods was used: infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transformation, scanning electron microscopy with apparatus for elemental analysis, atomic force microscopy, and biomechanical analysis. Ozoneoxygen mixture was obtained with the medical ozonator A-s-GOSC-5-02-OZONE (Russia). Irradiation of samples was conducted at the M.V. Lomonosov Institute of Nuclear Physics on continuousaction electron accelerator UELR-1-25-T-001. Different ozone and radiation parameters were used in the simulation. Results: Combined exposure significantly reduces the dose load on fossil material while effectively killing pathogens. The synergistic effect of consecutive treatment (ozone + radiation) ensures effective tissue sterilization while preserving their properties, as confirmed by the results of microbiological studies. Ozone exposure, even at low doses, significantly amplifies the radiation effect by weakening the pathogen population and oxygen effect. The use of combined technology contributes to the preservation of bone collagen in fossil specimens of mammoth fauna. Conclusion: The results obtained allow us to recommend the technology of combined radiation sterilization for use in sterilization and conservation of biological samples of ancient animals with minimal possible changes in their structural and functional characteristics.