Novel methodologies for the detection and classification of cultured and uncultured microorganisms from cultural heritage samples

Abstract

Microorganisms are important biodeterioration agents of cultural heritage and need to be studied in order to better preserve valuable art work. The detection and classification of microorganisms represent a preliminary step towards understanding their development and control as well as for the monitoring of these microbial communities. Methods based on cultures of microbes were the first ones available. Recently, the use of culture-independent, molecular methods is providing with unexpected information on the existence of a high microbial diversity on cultural assets. At present, method development is improving our knowledge, and facilitates the analysis, of microbial communities thriving on cultural objects, their potential biodeteriorating effect and possibilities of control. This report presents recent novel methodologies from our laboratory for the detection and identification of uncultured microbial communities and for the classification of cultured microorganisms.