Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Filomena De Leo, Valme Jurado
Summary: This editorial focuses on the studies presented in the current Special Issue, highlighting advances in the field of microbial biodeterioration of cultural heritage, with a particular emphasis on new methods for their elimination and control.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Filomena De Leo, Alessia Marchetta, Clara Urzi
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive analysis and review of black fungi as the main biodeterioration agents of cultural heritage stone artifacts. The main findings include a checklist of black fungal taxa involved in the biodeterioration of stone-built heritage, the main biodeterioration pattern attributed to them, and the methods of study including new molecular advances. The article also discusses current approaches to control black fungi and future research directions.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinghua Ding, Wensheng Lan, Aixin Yan, Yiliang Li, Yoko Katayama, Ji-Dong Gu
Summary: The study conducted a metadata analysis on the microbial sequencing data available from NCBI database to determine the diversity, biodeterioration potential, and functionality of stone microbiomes on world cultural heritage sites under different climatic conditions. The microbial communities on stone monuments were found to be associated with climate types, with stone monuments in dry climates showing higher diversity. Functions related to photosynthesis and UV resistance were identified in different climate types. The research highlighted the diverse and self-sustaining nature of these stone-dwelling microbiomes, driven by energy metabolism and biomass accumulation, with biochemical reactions of nitrogen and sulfur cycles being predominant.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cristina Catto, Andre Mu, John W. Moreau, Nancy Wang, Francesca Cappitelli, Richard Strugnell
Summary: The lack of information regarding the degradation mechanisms of Australian outdoor stone heritage currently restricts its protection. This study analyzed the bacterial community colonizing the stone surface of an outdoor sculpture in Melbourne, providing an overview of the microbial composition patterns associated with stone in a human-made environment. The findings revealed a diverse community consisting of phototrophic and chemotrophic microorganisms, characterized by arid, salty, and urban environments. Factors such as cardinal exposure, position, and surface geometry influenced the microbial community structure. This pioneering research contributes to the identification of deterioration-associated microorganisms and beneficial bacteria for stone preservation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xin Wang, Chengshuai Zhu, Yulan Hu, Zhao Zhang, Bingjian Zhang
Summary: In this study, researchers developed a sustained release system based on acid-etched halloysite nanotubes to control the biodeterioration of outdoor stone cultural heritage. The cinnamaldehyde-loaded halloysite nanotubes showed great potential in reducing the number of microorganisms on the limestone surface.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wenxia Ma, Fasi Wu, Jie Li, Qi Zhang, Xiaoju Yang, Ji-Dong Gu, Wanfu Wang, Huyuan Feng
Summary: The Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, have been affected by microbial colonization and deterioration of the wall paintings, resulting in the appearance of black spots and microbial biomasses. Next-generation sequencing and microscopy were used to identify the microbial community responsible for the biodeterioration. Rhodococcus and Ralstonia were found to be the dominant bacteria, while Aspergillus species were the predominant fungi in the black spots and microbial biomasses. Radioactive carbon-14 dating suggested that the original mural was painted during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, with repainting most likely occurring during the Song Dynasty. The outbreak of indigenous microbes on the wall paintings was likely initiated by earthen plaster preparation or heavy rainfall combined with a leaky roof.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Amr Fouda, Mahmoud Abdel-Nasser, Ahmed Mohamed Aly Khalil, Saad El-Din Hassan, Gomaa Abdel-Maksoud
Summary: In this study, the deterioration aspects of a historical manuscript from the 17th century were evaluated, with a focus on the role of associated fungal communities. The results showed that the manuscript exhibited signs of dust, dirt, erosion, stains, bores, weakness, missed parts, decreasing paper crystallinity, shifting wavenumbers of cellulosic band, and changing color and pH. Thirteen fungal strains were identified as being associated with the manuscript, and these strains were found to secrete various hydrolytic enzymes that play a critical role in biodeterioration.
NPJ MATERIALS DEGRADATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrea Timoncini, Federica Costantini, Elena Bernardi, Carla Martini, Francesco Mugnai, Francesco Paolo Mancuso, Enrico Sassoni, Francesca Ospitali, Cristina Chiavari
Summary: Epilithic bacteria play a crucial role in the conservation of cultural heritage materials by both causing degradation and providing bioprotection. This study characterized and compared bacterial communities on bronze and marble statues, revealing significant differences in composition and abundance. Marble surfaces exhibited high microbial diversity, dominated by Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Deinococcus-Thermus, while bronze patinas showed low taxadiversity, mainly composed of copper-resistant Proteobacteria.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Roberta Ranaldi, Lorenza Rugnini, Francesco Gabriele, Nicoletta Spreti, Cinzia Casieri, Gabriele Di Marco, Angelo Gismondi, Laura Bruno
Summary: The development of phototrophic biofilms deteriorates stone cultural heritage, and essential oils have emerged as successful natural biocides. Thyme essential oil suspended in alginate hydrogel shows significant inhibitory effects on photosynthetic efficiency, with the main plant compound identified as thymol.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2022)
Review
Archaeology
Tereza Branysova, Katerina Demnerova, Michal Durovic, Hana Stiborova
Summary: This paper focuses on the most endangered cultural heritage objects, describing their materials and the reasons for biodeterioration. It provides an overview of all microbial identification methods used in the field of cultural heritage since the introduction of next-generation sequencing technique in 2005.
JOURNAL OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Basma T. Abd-Elhalim, Bahaa A. Hemdan, Salwa M. El-Sayed, Mahgoub A. Ahmed, Sodaf A. Maan, Samah H. Abu-Hussien
Summary: This study isolated and identified fungal and bacterial strains with deteriorative activities from stone monuments in the Temple of Hathor in Luxor, Egypt. The inhibitory activity of metabolites produced by Streptomyces exfoliatus SAMAH 2021 against these strains was determined. The metabolites showed inhibitory effects on the deteriorative pathogens, with a minimum inhibition concentration of 25%.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jiangyun Liu, Fasi Wu, Ting Xiang, Wenxia Ma, Dongpeng He, Qi Zhang, Wanfu Wang, Yulong Duan, Tian Tian, Huyuan Feng
Summary: Microbial colonization poses a threat to the conservation of subterranean cultural heritage sites. This study focuses on the microbial colonization on murals in tombs and analyzes the diversity of culturable bacteria and fungi using culture-dependent methods. The results show that the composition and structure of airborne bacteria and fungi outside the tomb are significantly different from those inside. The weak aerosol circulation between the inside and outside environments of the tomb suggests that the outside environment has yet to impact the air microbial community inside. Selective colonization of microorganisms mediated by interaction with special microenvironmental factors plays a significant role in the biodeterioration of murals.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alba Patrizia Santo, Oana Adriana Cuzman, Dominique Petrocchi, Daniela Pinna, Teresa Salvatici, Brunella Perito
Summary: The study on the white marbles of the Florence Cathedral revealed that the dark discoloration is mainly caused by the growth of black fungi and dark cyanobacteria. The conservation state of the marble and the growth pattern of microorganisms appear to be linked to microclimatic conditions, specifically solar radiation exposure. This research provides valuable information for future interventions to control microbial growth.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ji-Dong Gu
Summary: This article highlights the major achievements made by the International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation Society (IBBS) during its 50th anniversary celebration, as well as reflecting on individual experiences with the society. It also discusses the dynamic changes and new challenges faced by the society and its journal in the past decade, and emphasizes the importance of engaging young researchers and identifying new areas of investigation and development.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Angelo Del Mondo, Gaetano Zuccaro, Mariagioia Petraretti, Antonino Pollio, Antonino De Natale
Summary: The water absorption coefficient plays a crucial role in the colonization of Nostoc sp. on stone surfaces, with tuff and brick showing the best bioreceptivity and higher colonization rates attributed to their higher values of WAC.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Francesco Strati, Antonio Calabro, Claudio Donati, Claudio De Felice, Joussef Hayek, Olivier Jousson, Silvia Leoncini, Daniela Renzi, Lisa Rizzetto, Carlotta De Filippo, Duccio Cavalieri
BMC GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2018)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Francesco Vitali, Rosario Lombardo, Damariz Rivero, Fulvio Mattivi, Pietro Franceschi, Alessandra Bordoni, Alessia Trimigno, Francesco Capozzi, Giovanni Felici, Francesco Taglino, Franco Miglietta, Nathalie De Cock, Carl Lachat, Bernard De Baets, Guy De Tre, Mariona Pinart, Katharina Nimptsch, Tobias Pischon, Jildau Bouwman, Duccio Cavalieri
GENES AND NUTRITION
(2018)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Noemi Tocci, Tobias Weil, Daniele Perenzoni, Luca Narduzzi, Santiago Madrinan, Sara Crockett, Nicolai M. Nuerk, Duccio Cavalieri, Fulvio Mattivi
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2018)
Article
Microbiology
Monica Modesto, Samanta Michelini, Maria Cristina Sansosti, Carlotta De Filippo, Duccio Cavalieri, Linnea Qvirist, Thomas Andlid, Caterina Spiezio, Camillo Sandri, Stefano Pascarelli, Barbara Sgorbati, Paola Mattarelli
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Irene Stefanini, Lisa Rizzetto, Damariz Rivero, Silvia Carbonell, Marta Gut, Simon Heath, Ivo G. Gut, Andrea Trabocchi, Antonio Guarna, Nagwa Ben Ghazzi, Paul Bowyer, Misha Kapushesky, Duccio Cavalieri
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2018)
Article
Microbiology
Matteo Ramazzotti, Irene Stefanini, Monica Di Paola, Carlotta De Filippo, Lisa Rizzetto, Luisa Berna, Leonardo Dapporto, Damariz Rivero, Noemi Tocci, Tobias Weil, Marcello S. Lenucci, Paolo Lionetti, Duccio Cavalieri
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Microbiology
Stefano Raimondi, Alberto Amaretti, Caterina Gozzoli, Marta Simone, Lucia Righini, Francesco Candeliere, Paola Brun, Andrea Ardizzoni, Bruna Colombari, Simona Paulone, Ignazio Castagliuolo, Duccio Cavalieri, Elisabetta Blasi, Maddalena Rossi, Samuele Peppoloni
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Monica Modesto, Maria Satti, Koichi Watanabe, Edoardo Puglisi, Lorenzo Morelli, Chien-Hsun Huang, Jong-Shian Liou, Mika Miyashita, Tomohiko Tamura, Satomi Saito, Koji Mori, Lina Huang, Piero Sciavilla, Camillo Sandri, Caterina Spiezio, Francesco Vitali, Duccio Cavalieri, Giorgia Perpetuini, Rosanna Tofalo, Andrea Bonetti, Masanori Arita, Paola Mattarelli
SYSTEMATIC AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Pediatrics
Alessio Pini Prato, Casey Bartow-McKenney, Kelly Hudspeth, Manuela Mosconi, Valentina Rossi, Stefano Avanzini, Maria G. Faticato, Isabella Ceccherini, Francesca Lantieri, Girolamo Mattioli, Denise Larson, William Pavan, Carlotta De Filippo, Monica Di Paola, Domenico Mavilio, Duccio Cavalieri
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2019)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Francesco Vitali, Aida Raio, Federico Sebastiani, Paolo Cherubini, Duccio Cavalieri, Claudia Cocozza
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrea Fontana, Concetta Panebianco, Andrea Picchianti-Diamanti, Bruno Lagana, Duccio Cavalieri, Adele Potenza, Riccardo Pracella, Elena Binda, Massimiliano Copetti, Valerio Pazienza
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2019)
Article
Microbiology
Niccolo Meriggi, Monica Di Paola, Francesco Vitali, Damariz Rivero, Federico Cappa, Francesco Turillazzi, Agnese Gori, Leonardo Dapporto, Laura Beani, Stefano Turillazzi, Duccio Cavalieri
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Stefano Nenciarini, Ana Reis-Costa, Marco Pallecchi, Sonia Renzi, Aldo D'Alessandro, Agnese Gori, Benedetta Cerasuolo, Niccolo Meriggi, Gian Luca Bartolucci, Duccio Cavalieri
Summary: The interactions between yeasts and bacteria in fermented foods can result in unique metabolic product patterns. This study focused on the microbiome of traditional Romanian kefir and examined the growth and metabolic properties of dominant yeast and bacterial strains. The findings revealed that a specific strain of Lactobacillus benefited from the presence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and there were significant changes in short-chain fatty acid levels compared to single cultures. These dynamic interactions highlight the importance of understanding the ecological mechanisms governing interactions between yeast, bacteria, and mammalian cells.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Marta Amorim, Frederico D. Bortoloti, Patrick M. Ciarelli, Evandro O. T. Salles, Daniel C. Cavalieri
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shaofeng Zhou, Wenwen An, Cuifen Gan, Meiying Xu
Summary: Bacteria generate and release extracellular reactive oxygen species (eROS), which significantly contribute to the natural ROS pool and play a crucial role in metabolic interactions of bacteria with their environment. Understanding the behavior of eROS-generating bacteria and its environmental implications is of great importance in the cycling of biogeochemical elements, transformation of organic matter, and regulation of antibiotic resistance genes.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ji-Dong Gu, Tim Ford, Bryce Mitton, Ralph Mitchell
Summary: Plastics and microplastics are widely present and accumulating in the environment, leading to increasing public attention. In addition to packaging plastics, materials from industries such as electronics, space and aviation are also accumulating, but receiving less attention. The production of degradable and biodegradable plastics is seen as a way to reduce environmental impacts, but enhancing the non-degradability of functional polymers is also a feasible option. Microbial colonization and deterioration pose significant challenges to these materials.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Justyna Bohacz, Michal Mozejko
Summary: This study evaluated the keratinolytic activity of 37 strains of Trichophyton ajelloi and found that pigmented strains isolated from loamy soil were more efficient in degrading native feather keratin, while non-pigmented strains isolated from chernozem showed better abilities. The keratinolytic activity increased over time, as evidenced by the increase in extracellular keratinase activity and release of soluble proteins and peptides. Protease activity peaked in the first 7 days and again on day 28 of culture. The release of ammonium and sulfate ions, associated with an increase in pH, reached its maximum on day 21. Three pigment-producing strains were among the most active in releasing large amounts of ammonium and sulfate ions. The biodegradation of feather waste by Trichophyton ajelloi strains can be used to produce fertilizers suitable for plants with high sulfur requirements.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joseph M. Suflita, Brenda J. Little
Summary: This article reviews the major achievements of the International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation Society (IBBS) on its 50th anniversary and provides recommendations for addressing new challenges and developments based on personal experiences.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhenyan Lin, Tuo Jin, Xin Xu, Xiao Yin, Dan Zhang, Mengjiao Geng, Chunyu Pang, Gongwen Luo, Lizhi Xiong, Jianwei Peng, Jiangchi Fei
Summary: The incomplete recycle of residual mulch film (RMF) in recent years has led to an increase in plastic fragments in soil, posing a serious threat to the soil ecological environment. In this study, seven potential plastic-degrading microorganisms were screened and identified from film-mulched vegetable fields. The degradation ability experiments showed that both single strains and mixed strains demonstrated varying levels of degradation of RMF.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tiina Belt, Michael Altgen, Muhammad Awais, Martin Nopens, Lauri Rautkari
Summary: This study investigated the degradation of heat-treated wood by brown rot fungi and found that the decay increased the hygroscopicity of wood in the decaying state. Furthermore, it was observed that heat-treated samples were more susceptible to fungal decay compared to untreated samples, which may be related to the increase in moisture content.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marta Cicardi, Davide Bernasconi, Luca Martire, Linda Pastero, Giulia Caneva, Sergio E. Favero-Longo
Summary: This study investigated the phenomenon of Centimetric circular areas Uncolonized by Microbial Biofilms (CUMBs) on natural and heritage stone surfaces. The analysis revealed a compatibility in distribution and size between CUMBs and lichen thalli, suggesting a lichen origin for some CUMBs. Microscopic analysis also showed similar modifications in marble layers beneath CUMBs and lichens, indicating a possible alteration of stone properties by lichens.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
