Abstract
The objective of this paper is the presentation of the research strategies adopted and results of the ongoing BIONANOSCULP research project that is aiming to develop solutions in the area of sustainable nanomaterials, which are non-invasive and high-performance in their preventive conservation approach.An integrated methodology was designed as a holistic strategy to the characterisation of the microbiota present on the surface of public outdoor sculptures. Gathering objective data in the characterization of the surface microbiota of public outdoor sculptures is important, in order to design strategies for the preventive conservation of these objects that make use of biotechnology innovative coatings. Such is one of the objectives of the project BIONANOSCULP. Methodologies applied include conservation reports, surface sampling methodologies using gels, 3D modeling, SEM, flow cytometry and metagenomics.The project is already significantly contributing to create a bridge between the experts from different areas: the skills of biotechnologists, microbiologists, materials scientists, art historians and conservators-restorers to assess the state of conservation, biodeterioration and biocontamination of a selected number of sculptures, and to design the appropriate materials to pursue preventive conservation through coatings with anti-microbial activities.
Highlights
Urban outdoor public sculptures are among the most vulnerable cultural objects that can be found in a modern city
It was possible to devise a universal characterization protocol for outdoor sculptures that allows the integration of the results obtained by very different techniques, namely artistic and historical description, conservation reports, 3D modelling, surface characterization, biocontamination quantification and organism identification as described in sections 2.1 to 2.5
It was possible to evaluate the potential of using either swabs or hydrogels for samples that were later analysed by flow cytometry, which allowed for a quick and effective determination of the total number of microorganisms
Summary
Urban outdoor public sculptures are among the most vulnerable cultural objects that can be found in a modern city. Subjected to extreme atmospheric variations and pollution, the conservation of such objects is, most of times, problematic. The variety of materials and the chemical and physical alterations suffered, as well as a wide range of microbiological and biological organisms that thrive on their surface increases the complexity of conservation treatments, and even more, definition of preventive conservation actions.
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