Franco Palla
University of Palermo Italy
Title: Macro and micro biological systems as source of bioactive molecules useful for cultural assets conservation.
Biography
Biography: Franco Palla
Abstract
In the last decade science and technology have provided protocols in defining innovative restoration strategies. In our laboratory bioactive molecules, isolated from plants or marine organisms, are characterized and applied in order to control the microbial colonization on historic-artistic manufacts. Similarly, these molecules are able to inhibit fungal and/or bacterial growth to acting like chemical biocides. Marine organisms also represent a source of cold-active enzymes (hydrolases) useful in biocleaning/bioremoval protocols, in order to remove protein or ester layers from the artwork surfaces.
These represent valid alternatives to conventional strategies, free from negative impacts on human health and environment.