The Effect of Microbial Growth on Synthetic Polymers Used on Works of Art

The assessment of fungal bioaerosols in the crypt of St. Peter in Perugia (Italy)

“…Furthermore, the ability of fungi to attack a wide range of polymeric substances, including those added to stone for protective reasons, means that their presence has to be considered during conservation treatments (Koestler and Santoro, 1988;Salvadori and Nugari, 1988;Leznicka et al, 1991;Koestler, 2000;Tiano et al, 2000;Lugauskas, 2003).…”

Microorganisms Attack Synthetic Polymers in Items Representing Our Cultural Heritage

“…However, as early as the 1950s, some experiments on biodeterioration of polyvinyl acetate resins were reported by the Isti-tuto Centrale del Restauro in Rome, Italy (26). Generally, filamentous fungi were the agents causing deterioration of these materials that were studied the most, especially in early experiments (17,41,54,61), although some bacteria, yeasts, algae, and lichens that are capable of growing on synthetic polymers have been found or isolated (14). Historically, identification of filamentous fungal species has been based on morphological characteristics, both macroscopic and microscopic.…”

The Biodeterioration of Synthetic Resins Used in Conservation

“…The resins were put into contact with biologically active mud. EP 2101, Fomblin Y Met were the only products to be resistant to the microbial attack 27. However, it was not proved whether the resistance was due to the polymer or to the solvent employed.…”