Perspectives for antimicrobial nanomaterials in cultural heritage conservation

Abstract

The biodeterioration of artistic and architectural heritage represents a serious and recurring problem for museums, local authorities, and private collectors alike, where irreparable damage to unique artifacts can result in immeasurable losses to our shared cultural heritage. Here, we present an overview of the current trends in antimicrobial products used to protect heritage items from microbial colonization and prevent their deterioration. From a conservation-restoration standpoint, we contrast and compare traditional antimicrobial products with the state of the art in antimicrobial nanomaterials applied in the heritage conservation field, highlighting the promising potential of various different nanomaterials, as well as points of concern and clear red flags from some of the emerging research. Through an examination of the growing body of research in the academic literature we offer recommendations and practical advice on selecting appropriate microbiological assays and characterization techniques to better evaluate the in vitro and in situ antimicrobial properties of nanomaterials.

Hydrophilic ZnO Nanoparticle-Based Antimicrobial Coatings for Sandstone Heritage Conservation

“…The chemical stability of the compound or nanomaterial should be carefully considered when designing antimicrobial agents to prevent biodeterioration of cultural heritages. 1 In the current study, using OSA to replace sodium alginate can make OSA/CPO/ZnO NPs composites more stable due to their strong intermolecular interaction. Promising results have been obtained so far by applying OSA/CPO/ZnO NPs composites on the sandstone surface and monitoring their effectiveness for 1 month.…”

Advanced Materials in Cultural Heritage Conservation

“…In this regard, nanosized materials, such as nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), silver (Ag), and zinc oxide (ZnO), have been explored over the years to hinder microbial colonization on heritage substrate materials. Franco-Castillo et al have recently published a comprehensive review about the use of nanoparticles as antimicrobial materials in the conservation of Cultural Heritage [ 94 ]. For applicative purposes, these nanosized active materials can be deposited over surfaces as dispersed in organic solvents or included in natural and synthetic polymers, to create a weathering-resistant coating.…”

Recent Developments in the Application of Inorganic Nanomaterials and Nanosystems for the Protection of Cultural Heritage Organic Artifacts

“…In recent years, several review works have been published in the area of cultural heritage preservation using nanomaterials, focusing either on the topical application of selected nanomaterials in the conservation of cultural heritage objects [6], protection of certain types of support materials [7][8][9], or on the development of antimicrobial agents for cultural heritage application [10]. Although of certain scientific value, these works do not sufficiently cover the area of organic artifact protection and how nanotechnology can contribute to obtaining superior recipes.…”