Innovative and integrated strategies: Case studies

Abstract

In this chapter, case studies related to biodeterioration, bioaerosol, biocide and biocleaning are reported. The aim is highlighting the role of biology and biotechnology tools for the preventive conservation of organic and inorganic artifacts, understanding how traditional as well as innovative methods can help the conservationists to develop integrated strategies considering works of art/environment/ humans as a dynamic system. Particularly, based on the experience acquired during the researches of Laboratory of Biology and Biotechnology for Cultural Heritage (LaBBCH), the authors suggest several approaches to reveal and identify biological systems able to induce biodeterioration of cultural assets, also focusing on bioaerosols in indoor environment to assess the risk for historical-artistic collections. Finally, novel bioactive molecules have been applied to perform biocleaning protocols or to control of microbial colonisation, in accordance to conservative restoration procedures and safety for both the environment and operators.