Characterising terpenic plant resins, wood tars and pitches in heritage science: analytical methods and applications
Abstract This review examines natural plant resins, wood tars and pitches in heritage science, focusing on their historical uses, chemical composition and analytical characterisation. Particular attention is given to diterpenoid and triterpenoid resins and to chemical transformations induced by ageing, degradation and thermal processing. The identification of diagnostic molecular markers supports the determination of botanical origins and technological practices, while an overview of complementary analytical methods highlights current challenges and perspectives.
Authors
- Magdalena Zborowska (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3028-5134)
- Jeannette Jacqueline Łucejko (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7717-4039)
- Erika Ribechini (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4978-2782)
- Irene Bertelli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2057-1540)
- Paul R. B. Kozowyk
- Hannes Schroeder (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6743-0270)
- Zorica D. Mojović (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4804-0776)
- Bettina Ebert (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4940-823X)
- Rodica-Mariana Ion
- Federica Nardella (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5014-0886)
- Andreu Falcó (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1564-207X)
- Alessandra Pecci
- Maria Perla Colombini
- Renata Costa
Publication Details
- Journal
- npj Heritage Science
- Published
- 2026-03-17
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s40494-026-02426-6
- Primary Topic
- Wood and Agarwood Research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00