Biotechnologies for identification of microorganisrns colonizing aerosol and surfaces of works of art in indoor environrnents

Abstract

Biological deterioration of organic and inorganic objects is a compIex process involving a relevant number of microbi al species. Particularly. fungi é1nd bacteria, wide spread in biosphere environments, are the main microorganisms related to the biodeterioration o[ cultural property. Moreover, complex microbial communities can relcase, in indoor environments, metabolic products or other airborne particles that may be detrimenral for human health, In order lo identify the components of microbial populations colonizing surfaces of works o[ art and/ or dispersed in thc aerosol of confìned/semi-confined environments, a molecular approach was laken. Samples were collected by non-destructive techniques (sterile swab, nylon membrane fragments) from surfaces of works or art and by Sartorius ponable sampler (MD 8, equipped with gelaLin sterile fìlters) from bioaerosol. :vlicrobial panicles were directly collected [rom the nylon or gelatin filters and genOl11ic microbial DN i extracted. In order to genotype the largest number o[ bacteria and fungi, PCR and oligonuc1eotide microarray protocols were used. The target sequences, specific for prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells. were 16S rRNA. internaI transcribed spacer (ITS) and beta-tubulin gene. Thc goal was to set up and improve DNA-based proLOcols in order to identify works of art deteriogens and aerosol colonizing microorganjsms, with potential negative impact on buman health (workers/visitors) in indoor environments.