Blue Biotechnology and Cultural Heritage: case studies

Abstract

In order to promote innovative methodologies for conservation and restoration of historic-artistic manufacts, the efforts are focalized on the development of “sustainable” applications as alternatives to traditional restoration procedures, which can sometimes be detrimental for the artworks, humans and environment [1]. The role of Biotechnology in this field showed very useful applications for diagnosis of bio-deterioration of cultural assets, by an integrated methodology based on molecular and microbiological skills, and in bio-cleaning / bio-removing of organic/inorganic layers from artwork surfaces by enzymes or viable bacteria cells [2, 3]. In this work, bioactive molecules isolated from marine organisms were utilized for enzymatic removal of aged/degraded layers (waxes, re-paintings, glued paper, protective layers, consolidating products) both from laboratory specimens or artworks surfaces (paintings, mosaics, wax statues). Particularly, biocleaning protocols were carried out using bioactive molecules with Protease and Esterase activity. The enzymes were utilized in water solutions gelled by Klucel-G or Carboxymethyl-cellulose gelling–agents, guaranteeing a controlled and selective action. These novel enzymes showed important advantages: they are active at temperature lower than 30°C, they need a reduced time of application (10-20 minutes), are safety for both operators and environment [4]. In our hypothesis, these molecules provide an important contribution to the development of sustainable innovative protocols.