Document Detail


Feasibility of removing surface deposits on stone using biological and chemical remediation methods.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20112014     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
The study was conducted on alterations found on stone artwork and integrates microbial control and a biotechnological method for the removal of undesirable chemical substances. The Demetra and Cronos sculptures are two of 12 stone statues decorating the courtyard of the Buonconsiglio Castle in Trento (Italy). An initial inspection of the statues revealed putative black crusts and highlighted the microbial contamination causing discoloration. In 2006, the Cultural Heritage Superintendence of Trento commissioned us to study and remove these chemical and biological stains. Stereomicroscopy characterised the stone of the sculptures as oolitic limestone, and infrared analyses confirmed the presence of black crusts. To remove the black crusts, we applied a remediation treatment of sulphate-reducing bacteria, which removes the chemical alteration but preserves the original stone and the patina noble. Using traditional and biomolecular methods, we studied the putative microbial contamination and confirmed the presence of biodeteriogens and chose biocide Biotin N for the removal of the agents causing the discolouration. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis fluorescent in situ hybridisation established that Cyanobacteria and green algae genera were responsible for the green staining whereas the black microbial contamination was due to dematiaceous fungi. After the biocide Biotin N treatment, we applied molecular methods and demonstrated that the Cyanobacteria, and most of the green algae and dematiaceous fungi, had been efficiently removed. The reported case study reveals that conservators can benefit from an integrated biotechnological approach aimed at the biocleaning of chemical alterations and the abatement of biodeteriogens.
Authors:
A Polo; F Cappitelli; L Brusetti; P Principi; F Villa; L Giacomucci; G Ranalli; C Sorlini
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't     Date:  2010-01-30
Journal Detail:
Title:  Microbial ecology     Volume:  60     ISSN:  1432-184X     ISO Abbreviation:  Microb. Ecol.     Publication Date:  2010 Jul 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-08-09     Completed Date:  2010-09-24     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7500663     Medline TA:  Microb Ecol     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  1-14     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Alimentari e Microbiologiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, Milan, Italy.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Algae, Green / isolation & purification
Biodegradation, Environmental
Biotechnology / methods*
Biotin / pharmacology*
Calcium Carbonate / chemistry
Cyanobacteria / isolation & purification
Disinfectants / pharmacology*
Environmental Microbiology*
Fungi / isolation & purification
Sculpture*
Sulfur-Reducing Bacteria / metabolism*
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Disinfectants; 471-34-1/Calcium Carbonate; 58-85-5/Biotin

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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