In Situ Application of Anti-Fouling Solutions on a Mosaic of the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica

Abstract

Biodegradation is among the most common issues affecting Cultural Heritage stone materials in outdoor environments. In recent years, the application of chemical agents with biocidal activity has been the most usual practice when dealing with biofilm removal. In outdoor environments, the use of these biocides is not effective enough, since the materials are constantly exposed to environmental agents and atmospheric pollutants. Thus, it becomes necessary to protect the surface of Cultural Heritage works with antimicrobial coatings to either prevent or at least limit future colonization. In this study, innovative biocides—both natural and synthetic—were applied on a Roman mosaic located in the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica to compare their effectiveness in removing the biological degradation affecting it. In addition, an antimicrobial coating called “SI-QUAT” was applied and analyzed in situ. SI-QUAT has recently entered the market for its prevention activity against biocolonization. The biocidal activity of these products was tested and monitored using different analytical portable instruments, such as the multispectral system, the spectrocolorimeter, and the bioluminometer. The analyses showed that promising results can be obtained using the combination of the biocide and the protective effect of Preventol® RI50 and SI-QUAT.

Mattel’s Barbie: Investigation of a Symbol—Analysis of Polymeric Matrices and Degradation Phenomena for Sixteen Dolls from 1959 to 1976

“…Multispectral photography was carried out using a multispectral system (Madatec, Milan – Italy), consisting of a Digital Camera (Samsung NX500—28.2 MP BSI CMOS) and Madatec spotlights with 365 nm wavelength (UV light). Images of the induced fluorescence were taken using the HOYA UV-IR filter cut 52 (Kenko Tokina Co. Ltd., Tokyu – Japan) [ 24 , 25 , 26 ]. An optical portable microscope Dino-Lite AM411-FVW (Dino-Lite Europe, Almere – Netherlands) was used at different magnifications—from 40× to 220×—and illumination modes—visible light (VIS), ranking light (VIS-RAD), and ultraviolet light (UV) to better evaluate the deterioration phenomena on the surface of the polymeric matrix.…”

Stealing from Phytotherapy—Heritage Conservation with Essential Oils: A Review, from Remedy to Sustainable Restoration Product

“…The product is applied with a back-pack sprayer pump or garden sprayer, without dilution. In 2022, it was compared to other innovative biocides in a test of their effectiveness against biodegradation of a Roman mosaic in the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica [214]. Analytical results showed a weak response of all natural biocides compared to the chemical products.…”

“…It is commercialized in solution and must be diluted for the removal of biological patinas (algae, fungi and lichens) from more or less sensitive stone surfaces. On a Roman mosaic, it has shown moderate biocide activity [214]. D. YOCOCOIL (YOCOCU APS, Rome, Italy) is a mix based on a combination of the EOs described as the most promising in the conservation literature: Eucalyptus globulus (0.25% v/v), Thymus vulgaris (0.4% v/v), Eugenia caryophyllus (0.5% v/v) and Ocimum basilicum (0.25% v/v).…”

Sustainable solutions for removing aged wax-based coatings from cultural heritage: exploiting hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (DESs)

“…25,26 The general aim is to replace traditional hazardous methods and products that are still widely used in the field, especially for the removal of aged coatings from artistic surfaces, thus ensuring the safety of both the artworks and the operators. [27][28][29][30][31][32] Even though a low-impact and effective approach to cleaning treatments is now recognized as an urgent need, novel environmentally friendly solutions and protocols are yet to be investigated. In this framework, Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) can be considered promising alternatives to conventional organic solvents due to their excellent physical-chemical properties -i.e., low volatility, high dissolution power, biodegradability, and low toxicity -together with their easy synthesis, accessibility of their natural compounds, low cost, and recyclability.…”