Ebook: Of Microbes and Art: The Role of Microbial Communities in the Degradation and Protection of Cultural Heritage

Microbial defacement and degradation of artistic or historic artifacts is a worldwide problem affecting all countries regardless of their history, geographical location, or economic conditions. This is the first comprehensive study of the role of microbial colonization on the degradation of different cultural artifacts (from buildings to books, wall paintings, textiles, sculptures and glass) and of the investigations into the compounds utilized to control microbial invasion. The book focuses on three main areas: the identification of the microorganisms which cause structural damage; methods to reduce or prevent microbial colonization and damage; and the use of microorganisms for the protection and bioremediation of cultural artifacts.

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Microbial defacement and degradation of artistic or historic artifacts is a worldwide problem affecting all countries regardless of their history, geographical location, or economic conditions. This is the first comprehensive study of the role of microbial colonization on the degradation of different cultural artifacts (from buildings to books, wall paintings, textiles, sculptures and glass) and of the investigations into the compounds utilized to control microbial invasion. The book focuses on three main areas: the identification of the microorganisms which cause structural damage; methods to reduce or prevent microbial colonization and damage; and the use of microorganisms for the protection and bioremediation of cultural artifacts.

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Microbial defacement and degradation of artistic or historic artifacts is a worldwide problem affecting all countries regardless of their history, geographical location, or economic conditions. This is the first comprehensive study of the role of microbial colonization on the degradation of different cultural artifacts (from buildings to books, wall paintings, textiles, sculptures and glass) and of the investigations into the compounds utilized to control microbial invasion. The book focuses on three main areas: the identification of the microorganisms which cause structural damage; methods to reduce or prevent microbial colonization and damage; and the use of microorganisms for the protection and bioremediation of cultural artifacts.
Content:
Front Matter....Pages i-xvii
Front Matter....Pages 1-1
Recent Advances in the Molecular Biology and Ecophysiology of Meristematic Stone-Inhabiting Fungi....Pages 3-19
Molecular Tools Applied to the Study of Deteriorated Artworks....Pages 21-38
Molecular Approaches for the Assessment of Microbial Deterioration of Objects of Art....Pages 39-47
Comparative Studies of Microbial Communities on Stone Monuments in Temperate and Semi-Arid Climates....Pages 49-62
Occurrence and Fluctuation in Photosynthetic Biocoenoses Dwelling on Stone Monuments....Pages 63-76
Microbial Communities in Salt Efflorescences....Pages 77-88
Characterisation of Endolithic Communities of Stone Monuments and Natural Outcrops....Pages 89-101
Front Matter....Pages 103-103
Patina....Pages 105-119
A Laboratory Investigation of the Microbial Degradation of Cultural Heritage....Pages 121-133
Fungal Fox Spots and Others....Pages 135-151
Polymers and Resins as Food for Microbes....Pages 153-167
Biodegradability of Products Used in Monuments’ Conservation....Pages 169-181
Front Matter....Pages 183-183
Integrated Concepts for the Protection of Cultural Artifacts Against Biodeterioration....Pages 185-201
Bacterial Carbonatogenesis and Applications to Preservation and Restoration of Historic Property....Pages 203-218
Bacterial Genes Involved in Calcite Crystal Precipitation....Pages 219-230
Bioremediation of Cultural Heritage: Removal of Sulphates, Nitrates and Organic Substances....Pages 231-245
Back Matter....Pages 247-250

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Microbial defacement and degradation of artistic or historic artifacts is a worldwide problem affecting all countries regardless of their history, geographical location, or economic conditions. This is the first comprehensive study of the role of microbial colonization on the degradation of different cultural artifacts (from buildings to books, wall paintings, textiles, sculptures and glass) and of the investigations into the compounds utilized to control microbial invasion. The book focuses on three main areas: the identification of the microorganisms which cause structural damage; methods to reduce or prevent microbial colonization and damage; and the use of microorganisms for the protection and bioremediation of cultural artifacts.
Content:
Front Matter....Pages i-xvii
Front Matter....Pages 1-1
Recent Advances in the Molecular Biology and Ecophysiology of Meristematic Stone-Inhabiting Fungi....Pages 3-19
Molecular Tools Applied to the Study of Deteriorated Artworks....Pages 21-38
Molecular Approaches for the Assessment of Microbial Deterioration of Objects of Art....Pages 39-47
Comparative Studies of Microbial Communities on Stone Monuments in Temperate and Semi-Arid Climates....Pages 49-62
Occurrence and Fluctuation in Photosynthetic Biocoenoses Dwelling on Stone Monuments....Pages 63-76
Microbial Communities in Salt Efflorescences....Pages 77-88
Characterisation of Endolithic Communities of Stone Monuments and Natural Outcrops....Pages 89-101
Front Matter....Pages 103-103
Patina....Pages 105-119
A Laboratory Investigation of the Microbial Degradation of Cultural Heritage....Pages 121-133
Fungal Fox Spots and Others....Pages 135-151
Polymers and Resins as Food for Microbes....Pages 153-167
Biodegradability of Products Used in Monuments’ Conservation....Pages 169-181
Front Matter....Pages 183-183
Integrated Concepts for the Protection of Cultural Artifacts Against Biodeterioration....Pages 185-201
Bacterial Carbonatogenesis and Applications to Preservation and Restoration of Historic Property....Pages 203-218
Bacterial Genes Involved in Calcite Crystal Precipitation....Pages 219-230
Bioremediation of Cultural Heritage: Removal of Sulphates, Nitrates and Organic Substances....Pages 231-245
Back Matter....Pages 247-250
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