Marine organisms as source of bioactive molecules applied in restoration projects

In recent decades research in the conservation and restoration field has provided sustainable alternatives totraditional procedures for cleaning or controlling the microbial colonization of works of art. In the present study,for the first time novel bioactive molecules extracted from marine invertebrate organisms (Anthozoa) were testedinstead of chemical compounds for removing protein layers or as a biocide for controlling fungal or bacterialcolonization. In particular, Bioactive Molecules with Protease activity (BMP), acting in a temperature range of 4- 30°C,were tested for the hydrolysis of protein layers on laboratory specimens. The cleaning protocol provides a selectiveprocedure to avoid damage to the original materials constituting the heritage object.Concurrently, enzymatic cleaning was also performed using commercial Protease from Aspergillus sojae (Type XIX),in order to compare their hydrolytic activities. Bioactive Molecules with Antimicrobial activity (BMA1, BMA2) weretested to control bacterial (Bacillus, Micrococcus) or fungal (Aspergillus, Penicillium) growth, previously isolated fromcolonized canvas samples and characterized by an integrated approach based on in vitro culture, microscopy andmolecular investigations. These molecules were tested to define the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) andMinimal Bactericidal/ Fungicidal Concentration (MBC/MFC). Specifically, BMAs were used to control fungal growthduring the relining of the painting (laboratory specimens), carried out using a canvas support, and glue paste asbinder.In our hypothesis, these molecules provide an important contribution to the development of innovative protocolsfor biocleaning or microbial growth control, based on fast and easy application, operator friendly andenvironmentally sustainable molecules.