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BIONANOSCULP, an ongoing project in biotechnology applications for preventive conservation of outdoor sculptures

Publication . Moreira, P R; Silva, N; Pullar, R. C.; Ben-Arfa, B. A. E.; Abreu, J. G.; Henriques, F.; Pintado, M M E; Vieira, E

The objective of this paper is the presentation of the research strategies adopted and results of the ongoing BIONANOSCULP research project that is aiming to develop solutions in the area of sustainable nanomaterials, which are non-invasive and high-performance in their preventive conservation approach. An integrated methodology was designed as a holistic strategy to the characterisation of the microbiota present on the surface of public outdoor sculptures. Gathering objective data in the characterization of the surface microbiota of public outdoor sculptures is important, in order to design strategies for the preventive conservation of these objects that make use of biotechnology innovative coatings. Such is one of the objectives of the project BIONANOSCULP. Methodologies applied include conservation reports, surface sampling methodologies using gels, 3D modeling, SEM, flow cytometry and metagenomics. The project is already significantly contributing to create a bridge between the experts from different areas: the skills of biotechnologists, microbiologists, materials scientists, art historians and conservators-restorers to assess the state of conservation, biodeterioration and biocontamination of a selected number of sculptures, and to design the appropriate materials to pursue preventive conservation through coatings with anti-microbial activities.

2018Conference object

Open access

Biotechnology for preventive conservation: development of bionanomaterials for antimicrobial coating of outdoor sculptures

Publication . Silva, Nádia; Pullar, Rob C.; Pintado, Manuela E.; Vieira, Eduarda; Moreira, Patricia R.

Outdoor sculptures are part of the sociocultural identity of cities, but are extremely vulnerable to deterioration due to exposure to harsh environmental conditions and climate change. Furthermore, deterioration by micro-organisms renders urgent the need to design protective coatings. This research proposes an integrated methodology for the development of innovative and sustainable nanofilms for applications in the area of art conservation, very specifically in the preventive conservation of outdoor sculptures. Gathering objective data for the characterization of the surface microbiota is important in order to design strategies that make use of bio or nanotechnology innovative coatings. Methodologies for the characterization of the microbiota present in a granite outdoor sculpture, followed by preliminary results on the application of protective antimicrobial coatings for surfaces of cultural objects are described.

2018Journal article

Open access

BIONANOSCULP: development of chitosan-based coatings as an eco-friendly strategy for conservation of outdoor sculptures

Publication . Silva, Nádia; Castro, Diana; Vieira, Eduarda; Pintado, Manuela; Moreira, Patrícia Raquel

Urban outdoor sculptures, which are an immeasurable part of our cultural heritage, are easily vulnerable to chemical and physical alterations due to their exposure to weather elements and air pollution. These alterations are aggravated by the colonization of degrading microorganisms. Nowadays, the products used for biodeterioration control of such cultural objects lack versatility or are toxic to the environment and the human health. In order to find new alternatives based on non-toxic and sustainable materials, the BIONANOSCULP project proposes the development of an antimicrobial protective layer for the preventive conservation of outdoor sculptures. For that, chitosan has been tested as a base biopolymer for the synthesis of protective coatings due to its proven antimicrobial properties. Different concentrations and molecular weights of chitosan, as well as the addition of adjuvants and cross-linking agents were tested to obtain coatings with relevant properties for application on metal and stone sculptures. Antimicrobial activity testing, together with physical and chemical assessments are being performed to characterize and evaluate the suitability of the coatings as protective layers able to slow down the growth of relevant microorganisms. Permeability assays and compatibility of the coatings to stone and metal samples are also being considered in order to analyze their performance on different materials while not causing alterations to the original aesthetics of the sculptures.

2019Conference object

Open access