Of Microbes and Art

1. Ecology of microbial communities developing on art works.- Recent advances in the molecular biology and ecophysiology of meristematic stone-inhabiting fungi.- Molecular tools applied to the study of deteriorated artworks.- Molecular approaches for the assessment of microbial deterioration of objects of art.- Comparative studies of microbial communities on stone monuments in temperate and semi-arid climates.- Occurrence and fluctuation in photosynthetic biocoenoses dwelling on stone monuments.- Microbial communities in salt efflorescences.- Characterisation of endolithic communities of stone monuments and natural outcrops.- 2. Biosusceptibility of organic and inorganic constituents.- Patina.- A laboratory investigation of the microbial degradation of cultural heritage.- Fungal fox spots and others.- Polymers and resins as food for microbes.- Biodegradability of products used in monuments’ conservation.- 3. Control and utilization of microorganisms.- Integrated concepts for the protection of cultural artifacts against biodeterioration.- Bacterial carbonatogenesis and applications to preservation and restoration of historic property.- Bacterial genes involved in calcite crystal precipitation.- Bioremediation of cultural heritage: removal of sulphates, nitrates and organic substances.