Biocleaning of nitrate alterations on wall paintings by Pseudomonas stutzeri

Abstract

Microorganisms have been considered as causative agents of biodeterioration in multiple artworks. In this paper, we argue that microorganisms can be positively used for the cleaning of salt crusts otherwise difficult to remove by traditional restoration methods. We use Pseudomonas stutzeri to efficiently clean wall paintings. The bacteria allow for adequate and homogenous removal of insoluble salt efflorescence without damaging the painted layer. We also make use of a new application support consisting of agar. This new technology has been successfully applied in the biocleaning of eighteen-century murals located in a lunette of the Santos Juanes church in Valencia, Spain.