Please note that Systems Microbiology does not consider descriptive studies that are solely based on amplicon (e.g., 16S rRNA) profiles, unless they are accompanied by a clear hypothesis and experimentation, and provide insight into the microbiological system or process being studied.

Over the past decade, there has been growing interest surrounding the ‘Microbiomes of Art and Their Importance in Preserving Cultural Heritage’. Advances in science and technology have led to the development of several innovative strategies in the restoration and conservation of artwork and cultural heritage. These advances have been fostered by improvements in the research techniques that enable us to gather insights from different approaches, together with the need to better understand the field in order to preserve the cultural and historic significance of art in our society for future generations. However, there are still several challenges within the field, with a notable example being the preservation of ancient rock and cave paintings, to which bacteria, archaea, fungi and microalgae pose a great threat due to the inability to regulate the microclimate as can be done in museums and galleries. Thus, it is evident that further enhancing our understanding of the dynamics between microorganisms and the art they inhabit will be integral in future approaches to the preservation and restoration of artwork.

Whilst the community can be proud of recent advances, from the application of probiotics to paintings in order to prevent biodeterioration, to the potential of microbiome analysis in the detection of forgeries, there is still a long way to go. In this Research Topic, we encourage researchers to explore the recent developments and main challenges faced by the field. We also welcome contributions that investigate the future and define the directions that the field will take in the coming years. What have been the key discoveries so far? What are the most pressing matters that need to be addressed? Where is research going to take us in the coming years?

Through this article collection, we hope to explore key aspects of ‘Microbiomes of Art and Their Importance in Preserving Cultural Heritage’. From this, we aim to facilitate the dissemination of knowledge in order to encourage the development of innovative solutions to the challenges faced by the field today.

We particularly welcome submissions of Original Research, Review, Methods, and Perspective articles on the following sub-topics:

1) Characterization of the diverse microbiome of artwork, including; paintings, tapestries, monuments, sculptures, and cultural heritage sites.

2) The dynamics between environmental factors, microbiome, and biodeterioration processes of art.

3) Contributions characterizing microbial metabolites, enzymes and acids involved in triggering biodeterioration of art.

4) Modern and innovative tools aimed towards the prevention of art biodeterioration, as well as contributions detailing conservation and restoration treatments.

5) Enhancing our understanding of microbial threats to the preservation of art and the cultural assets where they are deposited.

6) Tourism as a factor in the conservation of art and the detrimental impact of microbiome shifts.

7) The impact of climate change on the microbiome and the threat posed to art and cultural heritage.

8) Development of environmentally benign antimicrobial materials for sustainable conservation of art.

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Frontiers in Microbiology

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