Abstract

Essential oils (EOs) have been known for a long time, and they are used in several fields such as medicine and aromatherapy, as well as in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In the last decade, EOs have also been applied to contrast the biodeterioration of cultural heritage, representing a powerful resource in green conservation strategies. In this study, an integrated approach based on microscopic observation, in vitro culture, and molecular investigation was preliminarily employed to identify biological systems colonizing wooden artworks. In order to contrast the biodeterioration processes induced by fungal colonization (Aspergillus flavus) or insect infestation (Anobium punctatum), wooden artworks were exposed to the volatile compound of Origanum vulgare or Thymus vulgaris essential oils (EOs), the chemical composition of which was determined by GC–MS using both polar and apolar columns. Artwork exposure was performed in ad-hoc-assembled “clean chambers.” Evaluating the effects on biological systems, the compatibility with artwork constitutive materials, and the lack of negative effects on human health and environmental pollution, the use of EOs as a valid alternative to traditional biocides must be considered.

Highlights

  • The biodeterioration of organic cultural assets includes several biological systems able to induce complex alteration processes related to their biological and metabolic activity, artworks’ constitutive materials, and environmental conditions

  • Our preliminary study showed that Origanum vulgare and Thymus vulgaris essential oils (EOs) had strong antimicrobial activity in in vitro assays, which has been successfully confirmed by in situ application on the complex biofilm revealed under the floor mosaic tesserae in the Greco-Roman archeological site of Solunto, Sicily (Italy). the antimicrobial activity of 15% T. vulgaris EO solution was enough to deeply impact the biofilm’s liveliness [19]

  • In order to set up green conservation strategies, the antimicrobial activity of O. vulgare and T. vulgaris

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Summary

Introduction

The biodeterioration of organic cultural assets includes several biological systems able to induce complex alteration processes related to their biological and metabolic activity, artworks’ constitutive materials, and environmental conditions. Common active components include benzalkonium chloride, permethrin, sodium fluoride, or other molecules applied for the disinfection of fungi and insects These chemical compounds are generally toxic and not degradable, being persistent in the environment and causing uncontrollable contamination in areas far from the site of application [3,4]. Trends in biodeterioration control have indicated the need for biocide procedures using non-harmful and non-toxic compounds whose efficiency is kept over time and without adverse effects on cultural heritage and human health.

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