Molecular techniques for monitoring restoration treatments

Objects of art provide a variety of ecological niches for highly specialised microorganisms, whose growth and metabolic activities play besides the chemical and physical weathering an important role in the destruction ("biodeterioration") of the objects. It is presumed that biodeterioration is the result of the metabolic activities of complex microbial communities. The experience of many microbiologist has revealed that conventional cultivation methods set limits to the complete identification of natural bacterial populations. To choose the appropriate measurements against microbial growth on objects of art, it is therefore very important to obtain an overview about the composition of the present microbial populations. In the present project, we want to investigate microbial communities colonising art works by cultivation- independent techniques, as Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE analysis). Studies based on molecular techniques have revealed that the microbial ecosystems consist of far more complex communities than could be shown by cultivation methods. The aim of this project is to identify, introduce and enhance the use of molecular biology and biotechnology techniques suitable to be of interest in the field of conservation/restoration of the cultural heritage and to make this set of methodologies affordable by restoration or maintenance companies. This will be done with inputs from our previous experiences. The obtained results will be disseminated for diagnostic purposes to end-users, e.g. architects, restorers, curators, responsible for cultural heritage by producing guidelines and recommendations for effective evaluation of microbial activities. One of the most innovative aspects of this project will be to obtain information on the type of microorganisms colonising different and representative materials, by producing an inventory of the microorganisms associated with the damages to cultural assets. This is a prerequisite to include biodecay as an integral part of restoration process and will allow: 1. To design the most effective treatments for eliminating active microbial communities and biodeterioration. 2. To test the efficiency of biocides and cleaning treatments as well as follow-up procedures.