UV-C Irradiation as a Tool to Reduce Biofilm Growth on Pompeii Wall Paintings.

This study focuses on the experimentation of a method based on the use of UV-C irradiation to eliminate the biofilms present in a tomb located in the necropolis of Porta Nocera, in Pompeii. For this study, the autotrophic component of the biofilm was isolated in the laboratory, while, contemporarily, the characterization of the composition of the pigments of the frescoes took place on original fragments, which had already detached from the tomb and were examined in situ. These preliminary analyses were necessary for the recreation of test samples in the laboratory, which closely matched the original surfaces.

Weathering of a Roman Mosaic-A Biological and Quantitative Study on In Vitro Colonization of Calcareous Tesserae by Phototrophic Microorganisms.

The potential impact of cyanobacteria and microalgae on the weathering of calcareous tesserae from a Roman mosaic of the II Century CE has been followed through in vitro experiments. Laboratory tests were carried out by inoculating mosaic tiles with single strains of Cyanobacteria or Chlorophyta to evaluate the roles of pioneer phototrophic microrganism on the resulting architecture of biofilms. The interaction between tesserae and strains was assessed at the whole substratum and micrometer scales, by image analysis and Confocal Laser Scanning (CLS) microscopy, respectively.

Biofilms in churches built in grottoes.

We investigated microorganisms dwelling on rocks, walls and paintings in two votive chapels built in grottoes in the Region of Campania, Italy. One grotto was near the coast in an area with a Mediterranean climate, and the other grotto was inland on a mountain in an area with a cold continental climate. Color and distribution of biofilms in various areas of the grottoes were examined.