Collection
Conservation of Cultural Artefacts against Microbial Deterioration
This Collection welcomes contributions addressing the microbial deterioration of cultural artefacts and innovative strategies to mitigate such threats. Researchers are invited to submit original articles, reviews, and communications that delve into microbial identification, understanding the mechanisms of deterioration, and the development of biotechnological solutions tailored for cultural heritage preservation. Key areas of focus include, but are not limited to:
1. Microbial Identification and Characterization:
- Advances in identifying microbial communities responsible for artefact deterioration.
- Characterization of microbial species affecting various cultural materials.
2. Mechanisms of Microbial Deterioration:
- Investigations into the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying microbial degradation of cultural artefacts.
- Understanding the environmental factors contributing to microbial growth on artefacts.
3. Biotechnological Solutions for Conservation:
- Development and application of innovative biotechnological approaches to prevent or remediate microbial damage.
- Integration of microbiological techniques into conservation practices for enhanced artefact preservation.
4. Interdisciplinary Research:
- Collaborative efforts bridging microbiology, biotechnology, and conservation science.
- Exploration of interdisciplinary methodologies for holistic cultural heritage preservation.
Editors
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Edith Joseph
Prof. Dr. Edith Joseph has obtained her PhD degree in chemistry on the application of FTIR microspectroscopy to cultural heritage materials from the University of Bologna, Italy. She is currently employed as a Full Professor at the Haute Ecole Arc Conservation Restauration (University of Applied Sciences and Arts HES-SO, Switzerland). Her research interests focus on the development of green conservation strategies for the preservation of cultural heritage.
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Patricia SanmartÃn
Dr. SanmartÃn is a Ramón y Cajal researcher in the Soil Science Department of the University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, where she obtained her PhD in 2012. She started working and conducting research in the field of cultural heritage conservation science in 2003. Her major research interests include stone microbiology, biofilm at the stone/air interface, bioreceptivity and the development of innovative environmental technologies aimed at managing, assessing and mitigating natural and anthropogenic impacts on stone resources.
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Neveen Geweely
Prof. Dr. Neveen Geweely is working as a full Professor of Microbiology at the Cairo University, Faculty of Science, Botany and Microbiology Department, Giza, Egypt. She is interested in the conservation of the archaeological artefacts from destruction by deteriorating microorganisms and creating a non-polluting environment aimed at sustainable development that is safe for both human health (employees and visitors) and preserving heritage for future generations. She has obtained her PhD in Microbiology from the Cairo University in 2002.
