Biotechnology for microbial monitoring of indoor cultural heritage environments

An integrated approach for the characterization of bioaerosol was employed in different sites (that include hypogeal and semi-confined areas), characterized by great cultural/artistic interest besides peculiar architectural structures, thermo- hygrometric and lighting parameters. These typologies of indoor environments preserve several artworks like mural paintings, stone-works, paper or parchments that are susceptible of microbial colonization. The presence of fungal spores and low air change can induce both potentially effects to human health (users/operators) or biodegradation of historical-artistic manufacts. We perform bioaerosol sampling by a portable sampler (Sartorius MD8), equipped with gelatin filters and non-invasive sampling (Nylon membrane or sterile swab) is carried out on works of art surface. Microbial consortia is revealed and characterized by Optical, Scanning Electron and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (OM, SEM, CLSM), in vitro culture and molecular analysis (PCR, sequencing, sequence analysis). The inter-disciplinary approach applied in this study, represents a valuable contribution for the proper planning of both direct and/or indirect biological growth control and for the conservative restoration procedure (1, 2). This work was supported by Research Project It@cha - Italian Technologies for Advanced application in Cultural Heritage Assets, grant PON 01_00625 “Ricerca e Competitività” 2007-2013. (1) Palla F. et al. (2006) Characterization of bacterial community in indoor environment. Heritage, Weathering and Conservation, 1: 361-365. (2) Palla F. et al. (2010) Microscopy and molecular biology techniques for the study biocenosis diversity in semi-confined environments. Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage, 10: 185-194