Biotechnology and Conservation of Cultural Heritage

About this book

This second fully updated and extended edition of Biotechnology and Conservation of Cultural Heritage provides in-depth insights into the role of different microorganisms and microbial compounds in biodeterioration, conservation and restoration of artworks and artefacts. The latest methods to detect, remove and prevent microbial colonization on artwork surfaces and in air environments of libraries and museums are discussed and illustrated by engaging case studies. Furthermore, this edition covers new case studies on archaeobiology, exploring ways to perform molecular biology characterization, restoring and protecting of museum taxidermal specimens, and preserving and guaranteeing their future integrity.

Finally, the use of halloysite-nanotubes is investigated to set up innovative protocols in consolidation and long-term protection of waterlogged and archaeological wood. This book is addressed to biologists, microbiologists, conservation scientists and conservators who are interested in understanding the role of microorganisms and bioactive molecules in conservation projects.

Contents

Chapter 1: Biodeterioration
Chapter 2: Bioaerosol
Chapter 3: Biocide
Chapter 4: Biocleaning
Chapter 5: Innovative and integrate strategies. Case studies
Chapter 6: Taxidermal preparations of an extinct Sicilian wolf population (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758): Biological studies and Restoration

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Biography

Franco Palla Associate professor of Environmental and Applied Botanical Sciences at the University of Palermo, Italy. He is teaching the five-year Master's Degree in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage (being the Coordinator from 2015 to 2021), a Master Degree in Biodiversity and Environmental Biology and a Degree in Biotechnology. He is the head of the Laboratory of Biology and Biotechnology for Cultural Heritage, Department of Biological, Chemical, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology (STEBICEF), at the University of Palermo. The based and applied research is focused on biotechnologies for the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage, particularly for the characterization of microbial deterioration of cultural assets, for the isolation and characterization of bioactive molecules with hydrolase or antimicrobial activity; including the characterization and use of plant essential oils as bio-pesticides. He is the corresponding author of 198 papers published in international and national scientific journals, books and proceedings, related to the fields of molecular biology and biotechnology to studying and for the conservation of cultural and natural heritage.

Giovanna Barresi graduated in "Science for Conservation and Restoration" at the University of Florence, Italy. She collaborates in several research projects in diagnostic fields - analytical and applied research focusing on enzymatic cleaning of artwork surfaces. She is an expert in digital marketing and collaborates in the editorial field and in communication for scientific promotion, within the organizational committee for international conferences, in collaboration with the Laboratory of Biology and Biotechnology for the Cultural Heritage of the Department of Biological, Chemical, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology (STEBICEF) at the University of Palermo.