This Collection welcomes contributions addressing the microbial deterioration of cultural artefacts and innovative strategies to mitigate such threats. Researchers are invited to submit original articles, reviews, and communications that delve into microbial identification, understanding the mechanisms of deterioration, and the development of biotechnological solutions tailored for cultural heritage preservation. Key areas of focus include, but are not limited to:
1. Microbial Identification and Characterization:
- Advances in identifying microbial communities responsible for artefact deterioration.
- Characterization of microbial species affecting various cultural materials.
2. Mechanisms of Microbial Deterioration:
- Investigations into the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying microbial degradation of cultural artefacts.
- Understanding the environmental factors contributing to microbial growth on artefacts.
3. Biotechnological Solutions for Conservation:
- Development and application of innovative biotechnological approaches to prevent or remediate microbial damage.
- Integration of microbiological techniques into conservation practices for enhanced artefact preservation.
4. Interdisciplinary Research:
- Collaborative efforts bridging microbiology, biotechnology, and conservation science.
- Exploration of interdisciplinary methodologies for holistic cultural heritage preservation.