Aspartic Acid Racemization and Radiocarbon Dating: Advanced Biochemical Techniques for Dental Age Assessment
摘要
Dental age estimation plays a critical role in forensic science, archaeology, and biological anthropology, offering valuable insights into the chronological age of unidentified human remains. This chapter explores two advanced biochemical techniques for dental age estimation: aspartic acid racemization (AAR) and radiocarbon dating. Aspartic acid racemization relies on the predictable conversion of L-aspartic acid to its D-enantiomer in tooth over time, offering a reliable method for age determination in adult individuals. The chapter reviews the biochemical basis of racemization, its temperature dependence, and methodological considerations for extracting and analyzing proteins. In parallel, radiocarbon dating—particularly the method—utilizes the global spike in atmospheric carbon-14 from mid-twentieth-century nuclear testing to date dental tissues formed during that period. This chapter discusses the principles of radiocarbon decay, sample preparation, and calibration techniques necessary for accurate age estimation. Comparisons between AAR and radiocarbon dating highlight the strengths and limitations of each, including applicability across age ranges, precision, and environmental influences. By integrating biochemical, chronological, and environmental data, the chapter underscores how these methods contribute to improving the accuracy and reliability of dental age estimation in forensic contexts. Future directions for research and technological advancements are also outlined.