Biotechnology and Conservation of Cultural Heritage

This second fully updated and extended edition of Biotechnology and Conservation of Cultural Heritage provides in-depth insights into the role of different microorganisms and microbial compounds in biodeterioration, conservation and restoration of artworks and artifacts. Latest methods to detect, remove and prevent microbial colonization on artwork surfaces and in air environments of libraries and museums are discussed and illustrated by engaging case studies. Furthermore, this edition covers new case studies on Archaeobiology, exploring ways to perform the molecular biology characterization, restoring and protecting museum taxidermal specimens, preserving and guaranteeing the future integrity.

Finally, the use of halloysite-nanotubes is investigated to set up innovative protocols in consolidation and long-term protection of waterlogged and archaeological wood.

This book addresses to Biologists, Microbiologists, Conservation Scientists and Conservators who are interested in understanding the role of microorganisms and bioactive molecules in conservation projects. 

Franco Palla Associate professor of Environmental and Applied Botanical Sciences at the University of Palermo, Italy. He is teaching in the five-Year Master Degree in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage (being the Coordinator in 2015-2021), Master Degree in Biodiversity and Environmental Biology and Degree in Biotechnology. He is the head of the Laboratory of Biology and Biotechnology for Cultural Heritage, Department of Biological, Chemical, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology (STEBICEF), at the University of Palermo. The based and applied research is focused on biotechnologies for the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage, particularly for the characterization of microbial deterioration of cultural asset, for the isolation and characterization of bioactive molecules with hydrolase or antimicrobial activity; including the characterization and use of plant essential oils as bio-pesticides. He is corresponding and author of 198 papers published ininternational and national scientific journals, books and proceedings, related to the field of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology to studying and for conservation of cultural and natural heritage.

Giovanna Barresi graduated in “Science for Conservation and Restoration” at the University of Florence, Italy. She collaborates in several research projects on diagnostic field - analytical and applied research  focalizing on  enzymatic  cleaning  of  artworks  surfaces. She is expert in digital marketing and collaborates in the editorial field and in communication for the scientific promotion, within the organizational committee for international conferences, in collaboration with the  Laboratory  of  Biology  and  Biotechnology  for  the  Cultural  Heritage  of  the  Department  of  Biological,  Chemical,  Pharmaceutical  Sciences  and  Technology  (STEBICEF) at the University of Palermo.