Isolation of carbonatogenic bacteria for biorestoration

Biomineralization of calcium carbonate by living organisms, including bacteria, has been studied for its potential use in conservation and restoration applications in Cultural Heritage. This study reports the carbonatogenic properties of three bacterial strains (Lysinibacillus fusiformis 3.20, Psychrobacillus psychrodurans 7Mo and Lederbergia lenta Vetro1) isolated from Il Giovane di Mozia sculpture (Mozia), the Etruscan mural paintings of the Tomba degli Scudi (Tarquinia), and a microbial community isolated from the Sant'Eustachio statue (Matera). The crystals precipitated have been investigated through a multi-analytical approach: Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The analyses showed the formation of stable vaterite by the bacterial cultures, while the microbial community induced calcite precipitation. This approach aims to support the conservation-restoration efforts, taking into the account the requests of the conservation-restorers and the unique characteristics of each Cultural Heritage artwork.