Biocide

Abstract

Biodeterioration represents a revealing problem for the conservation of cultural heritage. It can be identified as a complex interaction within the ecosystem of a microbial community and its substrate and involves physical and chemical alterations resulting from biological and metabolic activity. Designing a diagnostic approach for evaluating the extent of the damage, identifying the biological community, and opting for an efficient methodology aimed at eliminating deteriogens is equally complicated. The correct approach would require understanding the nature of the biodeterioration and implementing methodologies respectful of human health which, however, avoid the indiscriminate killing of organisms. Different preventive or remedial methods are used for this purpose. They include well-known physical and mechanical methods with their operating limitations and the most frequently used chemical methods, supported by biocide products for the elimination or growth inhibition of target organisms. Unfortunately, most - if not all - biocides applied on artworks are toxic or otherwise polluting substances, and their degradation is frequently difficult, being persistent in the natural environment. Moreover, due to the fact that there are no specific formulations destined for conservation practice, commercial biocide products come from the medical or agricultural field, carrying with them their well-known negative effects. Research in this sector focuses on ways to replace toxic products with natural molecules that do not cause adverse effects, in addition to the application of alternative methods and the support of formulations for safe nontoxic novel compounds.