Methodological challenges for the investigation of the dual role of biofilms on outdoor heritage.

Biofilm deterioration and biofilm protection should be considered as different aspects of the complex interactions between microbes and the surfaces of outdoor heritage (e.g. stones, bricks, mortar and plaster).

Ecological strategies of bacterial communities in prehistoric stone wall paintings across weathering gradients: A case study from the Borana zone in southern Ethiopia.

Rock art paintings represent fragile ecosystems supporting complex microbial communities tuned to the lithic substrate and climatic conditions. The composition and activity of these microbial communities associated with different weathering patterns affecting rock art sites remain unexplored. This study aimed to explore how bacterial communities adapt their ecological strategies based on substrate weathering, while also examining the role of their metabolic pathways in either biodeterioration or bioprotection of the underlying stone.

Unlocking the Antibiofilm Potential of Natural Compounds by Targeting the NADH:quinone Oxidoreductase WrbA.

Biofilm-dwelling cells endure adverse conditions, including oxidative imbalances. The NADH:quinone oxidoreductase enzyme WrbA has a crucial role in the mechanism of action of antibiofilm molecules such as ellagic and salicylic acids. This study aimed to exploit the potential of the WrbA scaffold as a valuable target for identifying antibiofilm compounds at non-lethal concentrations.

Mechanistic Insights into the Antibiofilm Mode of Action of Ellagic Acid.

Bacterial biofilm is a major contributor to the persistence of infection and the limited efficacy of antibiotics. Antibiofilm molecules that interfere with the biofilm lifestyle offer a valuable tool in fighting bacterial pathogens. Ellagic acid (EA) is a natural polyphenol that has shown attractive antibiofilm properties.

Biofilm colonization of stone materials from an Australian outdoor sculpture: Importance of geometry and exposure.

The safeguarding of Australian outdoor stone heritage is currently limited by a lack of information concerning mechanisms responsible for the degradation of the built heritage. In this study, the bacterial community colonizing the stone surface of an outdoor sculpture located at the Church of St. John the Evangelist in Melbourne was analysed, providing an overview of the patterns of microbial composition associated with stone in an anthropogenic context.