Species identification of silks by protein mass spectrometry

We investigate a range of methods for solubilizing modern and archaeological silks and demonstrate a protocol using mass spectrometry-based proteomics to successfully differentiate modern samples of Bombyx, Antheraea, and Samia -produced silks matching samples to species level. We also analyzed archaeological silks from excavations at the ancient city of Palmyra, Syria, and provide evidence that these silks were produced by A. mylitta, which is the first direct evidence supporting the production and trade of Indian wild silk in antiquity.