Microorganisms pro- and against cultural heritage

While often considered as harmful for cultural heritage, microorganisms can also be used for its safeguarding. Indeed, there is a growing interest for the development of biological technologies that are environmental friendly (close to ambient temperature and pressure, neutral pH) and do not require the use of toxic materials. A real progress could be expected in terms of durability, effectiveness and toxicity. Over the last decades, the development of biological methods and materials became a significant alternative for the conservation-restoration of cultural artefacts. Hence, biotechnology has been applied with success in different domains, such as bioremediation or corrosion control. In particular, different soil bacteria have already been reported as a conservation treatment for ornamental stone, demonstrating the great opportunities offered by using such alternative treatments.
This research topic will focus on two different areas: the microorganisms involved in biodegradation and control methods used to reduce the deterioration of cultural artefacts, and the preservation and protection of cultural artefacts using fungi and bacteria. The aim is to achieve a comprehensive view on the role and potential of microorganisms pro- and against- degradation of cultural materials (stones, metals, graphic documents, textiles, paintings, glasses…). Research papers, case studies, reviews, perspectives, and opinion papers on these themes are welcome.