Study Of Biodeterioration Research Articles

Report on the 2024 spring meeting of bio-deterioration study group of Japan Wood Research Society “Protection of cultural properties（structures）”

Report on the 2024 spring meeting of bio-deterioration study group of Japan Wood Research Society “Protection of cultural properties（structures）”

Fungal Biodeterioration and Preservation of Miniature Artworks.

The study of biodeterioration is an important issue to allow the best conservation and prevent the decay of cultural heritage and artworks. In Naples (Italy), a particular museum (Museodivino) preserves the miniature artworks representing Dante's Divine Comedy and Nativity scenes, executed with organic-based materials in walnut and clay shells. Since they showed putative signs of biodeterioration, the first aim of this study was to verify the presence of microbial colonization. A culture-dependent approach and molecular biology allowed us to isolate and identify the sole fungal strain Aspergillus NCCD (Nativity and Dante's Divine Comedy) belonging to the A. sydowii sub-clade. Based on this result, a sustainable and eco-friendly approach was applied to find a method to preserve the miniature artwork by contrasting the growth of the strain NCCD. Several essential oils used as a natural biocide were tested against Aspergillus strain NCCD belonging to the A. sydowii subclade to determine their potential antimicrobial activity. Results revealed that basil, cloves, fennel, and thyme essential oils exerted antifungal activity, although their effect depended also on the concentration used. Moreover, anoxic treatment and the control of the relative humidity were used in the presence of thyme, in vitro, and in vivo assays to define the impact on fungal growth. No fungal development was detected in vivo in the shells treated with thyme essential oil at high relative humidity after 60 days of incubation at 28 °C. These results highlighted that although relative humidity was the major factor affecting the development of the strain Aspergillus NDDC, the application of thyme in an anaerobic environment is essential in contrasting the fungal growth. Identifying the biodeterioration agent allowed us to plan an eco-friendly, non-destructive approach to be successfully used to guarantee the conditions suitable for conserving miniature artwork.

A metabarcoding approach for the study of biodeterioration of ancient wall paintings in an Italian cave

AbstractCaves represent unique habitats for the development of microbial communities due to particular environmental conditions. Mural paintings occurring in caves suffer from degradation caused by natural processes in which microorganisms are significantly involved. The characterization of the microbial biofilm with non-destructive analysis is important to better preserve and safeguard these artifacts. This study aimed at investigating the microbial communities colonising the frescoes in the Fornelle cave (Calvi Risorta, Caserta, Italy) using a metabarcoding approach. We found a high representation of eubacteria, followed by cyanobacteria, fungi, and microalgae. This study confirmed the potential of non-invasive techniques as DNA metabarcoding as powerful tool for conservation and restoration of artworks.

Sampling methods for outdoor sculptures: Comparison of swabs and cryogels by flow cytometry as novel alternatives for assessment and quantification of microbial contamination

Flow cytometry was evaluated for the first time for the microbiological characterisation of samples collected from the surfaces of stone and mortar sculptures. The study was carried out on outdoor sculptures located in the district of Porto (Portugal), from which samples were collected using swabs and poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) (poly(HEMA)) cryogels as non-invasive sampling methods. The use of poly(HEMA) cryogels was tested as an alternative to swabbing due to the difficulties often encountered in sampling stone surfaces and retrieving microorganisms from swab fibres. The quantification of the microorganisms collected by the two sampling methods and the determination of their cell viability were performed using a combination of the fluorochromes thiazole orange (TO) and propidium iodide (PI). Both methods were effective to collect samples for analysis by flow cytometry, which proved to be a technique of interest and potential use for biodeterioration studies of cultural heritage (CH). Data visualisation of viable and non-viable microbial cells was clearer with cryogels, although higher concentrations of total microorganisms were achieved with swabs. Our results show that swab sampling is a more adequate method, although poly(HEMA) cryogels can be an option to consider for specific microbial viability analyses for biodeterioration evaluation of stone artworks.

日本木材学会生物劣化研究会2022年春季研究会「吉村剛先生の生物劣化にはじまる多大なご功績を偲んで」に参加して

日本木材学会生物劣化研究会2022年春季研究会「吉村剛先生の生物劣化にはじまる多大なご功績を偲んで」に参加して

Framwork for fieldwork and documentation in primary Research

This paper presents an iterative framework for carrying out fieldworks on biodeterioration studies in the built environment with specific reference to the fieldwork on Microbial Colonisation of Building Finishes and Facings in Enugu. The paper discusses the step-by-step preparations prior to and during fieldwork and their importance in fruitful data collection, respondent’s responses and accompanied field interview. It highlights the pros and cons of fieldwork showing reasons why fieldwork is vital in biodeterioration research in the built environment. In doing so, the various stages of the fieldwork are discussed with their implications. At the end of the fieldwork, useful lessons learnt include the essence of digital compass in geolocation, the effect of good first impression during interview, and sourcing of data from government and organizations amongst others.

Diversidade microbiana no ambiente e em partes do trono imperial de D. Pedro II - Caracterização por microbiologia clássica e biologia molecular antes e após intervenções de conservação e restauro

The Museu Imperial has an important historical collection from the Portuguese Royal Family in Brazil. The throne represents the imperial power and is considered one of the most important objects in the museum; however, the piece has been facing for decades a gradual deterioration, mainly in its fabrics. With the growing motivation to preserve this property, conservation and restoration processes were conducted in all parts of the throne. As a part of this treatment, a microbiological survey was conducted in selected parts of the object and the surrounding environment where it was placed. This biodeterioration study, control and detection of microbial species indicated a very pertinent answer in relation to the place it was exposed, and the restoration process was performed in order to solve the most pronounced damages aiming to restore the original characteristics of the artefact. The study indicated a high diversity of fungi and bacteria. It was observed a marked decrease, before and after restoration, being observed the recurrence of the genera Absidia, Cladosporium and Epicoccum. This reduction was not so pronounced for bacteria, being also observed the recurrence of some bacterial groups after restoration (Microbacterium, Staphylococcus and Kocuria). In the atmosphere new fungal species were found after restoration, indicating a natural recontamination of the exhibition area.

An interdisciplinary study of biodeterioration of the external marbles of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, Florence (IT)

Stone-built cultural heritage exposed to urban environment represents a habitat where heterogeneous microbial communities can grow causing structural and aesthetical modifications and significant biodeterioration phenomena, the most common being colored patinas and crusts. An in-depth investigation of microbial community composition and its metabolic potential is essential to take the appropriate measures to control its growth. Conventional biocides remain the most used practical solution to control microbial growth, nevertheless, they may be dangerous for human health and the environment. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (SMFC) is a major architectural masterpiece in Florence (IT), and its conservation is a main issue of worldwide concern. The whole edifice is externally covered with polychrome stone panels consisting of white marbles, serpentinites and red limestones. Here we report a multidisciplinary investigation on the state of conservation of SMFC white marbles which show, in some extended areas, patinas and discoloration due to microbiological growth. This work provides new details on the deterioration of SMFC marble and, for the first time, on the microbial community involved. This preliminary knowledge will be used for planning field tests with innovative low environmental impact biocides, such as essential oils, to contrast biodeterioration.

The use of -omics tools for assessing biodeterioration of cultural heritage: A review

Abstract A holistic perspective on the universe of living microorganisms, their metabolism and environment, is called systems biology. This framework is a compelling way to diagnose the biodeterioration of cultural heritage (CH). It is important to understand both the types of microorganisms present on objects, their metabolic functions, and the impact of the environment on microorganisms. Such an understanding generates answers to key questions concerning the mechanisms of biodeterioration by microbial communities and will help to select appropriate strategies for restoration and maintenance. In recent years, systemic methods called “-omics” have completely changed the approach to environmental research. These methods include metagenomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics and proteomics. Article reviews newly-available -omic techniques that can be used to assess CH biodeterioration and discusses the application of molecular and chemical techniques, including next generation sequencing (Pyrosequencing 454, Ion Torrent Sequencing, Illumina MiSeq), mass spectrometry techniques such as mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography (LCMS) and surface-assisted desorption/ionization (SALDI) MS, in biodeterioration studies. Finally, article presents future perspectives for the evaluation of CH biodeterioration.

2019 autumn meeting of bio-deterioration study group of Japan Wood Research Society “Status of termite in southeast Asian countries”

2019 autumn meeting of bio-deterioration study group of Japan Wood Research Society “Status of termite in southeast Asian countries”

Fungal diversity and distribution across distinct biodeterioration phenomena in limestone walls of the old cathedral of Coimbra, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Fungi are powerful biodeteriogens and when colonizing stone monuments are often responsible for severe physical, chemical and aesthetical modifications. Recently the old cathedral of Coimbra (Portugal) was awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site distinction as an integrant part of the “University of Coimbra- Alta and Sofia” area. The limestone walls in this cathedral show clear visual signs of biological colonization and biodeterioration. The aim of this work was to obtain an extensive fingerprint of the biodeteriorating fungal agents in this affected ancient limestone through the application of traditional cultivation and modern Next Generation Sequencing techniques. Due to high diversity of distinctive biodeterioration phenomena affecting this site, a rapport between the identified fungal populations and the different biodeterioration types found was also established and their importance for the monument preservation discussed. The results obtained through the application of this approach, not only allowed a robust characterization of the fungal communities colonizing this monument, but also elucidated that distinct fungal communities are dissimilar according to the type of biodeterioration analyzed. In addition, we verified that both cultivation and metagenomics methodologies should be employed synergistically in limestone biodeterioration studies in order to tackle inherent limitations regarding both techniques.

Structural diversity of photoautotrophic populations within the UNESCO site ‘Old Cathedral of Coimbra’ (Portugal), using a combined approach

In 2013, UNESCO classified the ‘University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia’ (Portugal) as World Heritage site. Some of the limestone monuments that compose the site, such as the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, show clear visual effects of biological colonization by cyanobacteria and microalgae. The aim of this study was to thoroughly characterize the structural diversity of the photoautotrophic community at this site, combining isolation and molecular identification with next-generation sequencing techniques. Culture-dependent approaches resulted on the identification of green microalgae belonging to Prasiolales, Chlorellales, Watanabea, Chlamydomonadales and Sphaeropleales clades, and cyanobacteria belonging to Nostocales and Synechococcales clades. Culture-independent methods using Illumina Platform resulted in the identification of 610 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs), revealing the presence of populations within phyla Chlorophyta, Cyanobacteria, Rhodophyta and Stramenopiles/Bacillariophyta. In addition, principal component analysis (PCA) and a network analysis were generated and successfully related the different populations to specific biodeterioration scenarios observed at this monument. The use of culture-dependent and -independent techniques together with PCA and network analysis allowed us to understand the distribution patterns of the photoautotrophic community among the different biofilms observed at this monument, as well as their ecological specifications. This study highlights that both cultivation and metagenomics methodologies should be employed synergistically in similar biodeterioration studies.

2019 spring tour of bio-deterioration study group of Japan Wood Research Society

2019 spring tour of bio-deterioration study group of Japan Wood Research Society

Enhanced biodeterioration resistance of nanophase modified fly ash concrete specimens: Accelerated studies in acid producing microbial cultures

This paper specifically investigates the effect of an acid producing fungus and anaerobic sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) on nanophase modified fly ash (FA) concrete specimens. Four different types of concrete specimens namely FA (FA concrete with 40 wt % replacement of Ordinary Portland Cement), FAT (FA concrete modified with 2 wt % TiO2), FAC (FA concrete modified with 2 wt % CaCO3), and FATC (FA concrete modified with 2 wt % TiO2:CaCO3) were fabricated. These specimens were exposed to microbial cultures for accelerated biodeterioration studies. Growth of microbes on specimen surfaces was visualized by epifluorescence microscopic studies. Important biodeterioration parameters like pH reduction, weight loss, thickness, and diameter loss under biofilms were analyzed. Absence of degradation phases like ettringite and calcium oxalate in the modified FA concrete was confirmed using X‐ray diffraction studies. Results proved biodeterioration resistance of all the three nanophase modified FA concrete specimens. Among the three, FAT emerged superior with excellent resistance to biodeterioration owing to the presence of TiO2 nanoparticles. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 457–466, 2019

Assessment of indoor air environment of a Nigerian museum library and its biodeteriorated books using culture-dependent and –independent techniques

The surface-associated microflora on four deteriorated historical books kept in the library of a Nigerian museum were studied to identify microbial communities present, determine potential biodeteriogens and evaluate microbial aeroflora as a putative source of contamination. The application of culture-independent and -dependent techniques identified members of Actinobacteria, Bacteriodetes, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria as bacterial colonizers of the volumes, with Bacillus, Stenotrophomonas and Variovorax as the dominant genera. The fungal community belonged to Ascomycota with Aspergillus and Penicillium as the prevalent taxa. The retrieved microorganisms included some species that had never been detected on documentary heritage, though they have been found in association with soil particles and insects. Cellulolytic screening assay ascertained thirteen bacterial and six fungal isolates as potential biodeteriogens of the said documents. The higher microbial build-up on the discoloured areas compared to the control areas of the books highlighted microorganisms as a cause of the deterioration. The airborne microbial population, determined with passive sampling, revealed the microbial cell density to be higher in the rainy season than the dry. This is the first report on the use of both genetic fingerprinting and traditional methods in a biodeterioration study of books in Nigeria. The findings of the study should be taken into account to ensure the proper preservation of written heritage.

Future directions and challenges in biodeterioration research on historic materials and cultural properties

We, a group of concerned researchers and conservators, are very grateful to the 17th International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Symposium (IBBS17) organizing committee and to the International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Society president Brenda Little for giving us this opportunity to have a Panel Discussion on the “Past, Present and Future” of biodeterioration studies during the IBBS17 on September 6–8, 2017 in Manchester, U.K. A total of twenty-three of us, including a number of young scientists, joined the discussion and a few colleagues gave their inputs by mail in advance. It is our pleasure to summarize all information collected from the one-hour discussion in Manchester and to share them openly for future research planning and for establishment of a common ground to build new initiatives.

2018 spring symposium of bio-deterioration study group on the threat of wood borers－“Recent occurrence examples of Lyctus borer damage and its inspection and control”－

2018 spring symposium of bio-deterioration study group on the threat of wood borers－“Recent occurrence examples of Lyctus borer damage and its inspection and control”－

A Study of Biodeterioration and Chromatic Alterations of Painted and Gilded Mummy Cartonnage at the Saqqara Museum Storeroom, Egypt

Microbial biofilms have developed on the surfaces and within the painted and gilded layers of mummy cartonnage at the Saqqara museum storeroom in Giza, Egypt. SEM–EDX, XRD and FT–IR–ATR techniques were applied to analyse the coloured and gilded materials, ground layer, textile support and binder used for the cartonnage. Aspergillus niger (24.8%), Penicillium chrysogenum (21.5%) and a novel cartonnage‐biodegrading bacterium, Bacillus sonorensis (23.7%), were the most abundant microbes growing over the cartonnage surface. In addition, Aspergillus tamari (15.4%), A. fumigates (8.1%) and Fusarium solani (6.5%) were identified. The pigments comprised Egyptian blue (cuprorivaite), cinnabar (red), orpiment (yellow) and green pigment made from a mixture of cuprorivaite and orpiment. Gold leaf was used for the gilded layer, calcium carbonate and gypsum comprised the ground layer, gum arabic was the binding medium and the fibre base was a fine linen textile. Microbial colonization tests were performed on aged cartonnage replica samples made from linen and pigments of similar composition to ancient pigments found in the cartonnage. Each sample was inoculated separately with A. niger, P. chrysogenum and B. sonorensis. Yellow orpiment samples were the exception, as no colour change was detected after colonization by the examined micro‐organisms.

Avances en el estudio de biodeterioro asociado a presencia de líquenes en materiales arqueológicos líticos. La Primavera (Santa Cruz, Argentina).

Con el objetivo de indagar acerca del biodeterioro causado por líquenes creciendo sobre materiales arqueológicos líticos, en este trabajo preliminar se analizaron diferentes artefactos procedentes de la localidad La Primavera. La metodología de análisis incluye técnicas de observación de bajos y altos aumentos y análisis de EDAX. Se identifican los líquenes presentes y se observan las superficies de estos artefactos que constituyen soportes para su crecimiento. Se observó y analizó la diversidad de especies presentes y se reconocieron cuatro tipos de bioalteraciones asociadas (microperforaciones, desagregación superficial de la roca, microfracturaciones internas y microfracturaciones superficiales). Entre los morfotipos identificados, el que al parecer causa mayores daños es el crustoso endolítico, seguido del folioso. Estas bioalteraciones dificultan la observación de los caracteres tecnológicos principales, así como estudios específicos acerca de la funcionalidad del instrumental lítico, lo que produce pérdida de información. Conocer más detalladamente cómo estas bioalteraciones afectan a estos materiales es relevante para las interpretaciones arqueológicas. Por lo tanto, este trabajo es una importante contribución al estudio de biodeterioro sobre artefactos líticos que hasta el momento no ha sido objeto de investigaciones específicas

Biodeterioration of Premium Motor Spirit and Automotive Gas Oil by Bacterial and Fungal Deteriogens

The study of Biodeterioration of Premium Motor Spirit and Automotive Gas Oil by bacterial and fungal deteriogens was conducted to ascertain the level of spoilage on petroleum samples obtained from African Petroleum and Oando Filling Stations, Port Harcourt. The Spread plate technique was employed for the enumeration of the microorganisms. The samples were cultured on petri-dishes containing nutrient media and potato dextrose agar and were incubated at temperature of 28–31°C for 48 hours and 72 hours for bacterial and fungal growth respectively. The bacterial and fungal isolates were further tested for hydrocarbon utilization potential with a modified mineral salt agar at room temperature for 48 hours and 168 hours respectively. Results showed a high range of total viable counts of Bacterial and Fungal species in samples collected from the stations. Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. were isolated from Diesel samples; while Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp., yeast spp. and Aspergillus spp. were isolated from Petrol. The Petrol and Diesel distributed by the African Petroleum to customers is of a higher quality than that of Oando Filling Station. There was abundance of microbial growth at Diesel substrates and was least supported by Petrol. This may be as a result of heavy contamination of the samples when in the storage tanks underground. The lead, anti-knock additive (tetra-ethyl lead) in Petrol may be the cause of growth inhibition. It is therefore recommended that adequate control-spoilage measures should be taken in order to prevent bioattack of the petroleum products.