In recent years, nanoscience and nanotechnology have provided interesting solutions to problems concerning the conservation-restoration of cultural heritage. Nanoparticles and nanostructured materials have been successfully applied to consolidate and protect archaeological heritage (Baglioni, & Giorgi, 2006). Microbial biodeterioration processes are one of the main causes of the degradation of cultural heritage and works of art. The growth of biodeteriogenic bacteria can determine aesthetic damages, accompanied by colour and structural changes related to metabolites produced by the same microorganisms. Research in this area is therefore focused on the discovery of new effective treatments, eco-friendly and low toxic, in order to repair and prevent damage caused by the development of bacteria colonization. As an alternative to conventional biocides, characterized by high toxicity, more attention is now paid to the use of natural biocidal products. In this context, the essential oils (EOs), known for their antimicrobial properties, are promising non-toxic and environmentally friendly candidates as natural biocides. However, the high volatility, insolubility in water, and sensitivity to oxygen, light and heat make them difficult to use in cultural heritage remediation. The nanoencapsulation of EOs is a valid and efficient strategy to overcome these obstacles providing nanosystems able to act as reservoir and controlled release of bioactive molecules (Maryam et al., 2015) Inspired by that, essential oils have been encapsulated in selected polymeric nanocarriers based on low cost, no toxic and safe for the environment. The EOs chemical analysis was carried out by GC and GC-MS techniques. The nanosystems synthesized were characterized for physicochemical properties such as particle size, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency, and stability over time. The biocidal evaluation against some selected bacteria, responsible of biodeterioration processes, was determined by test ASTM E2149-01 under dynamic contact condition (Droval et al., 2008). Preliminary experiments were also performed to determine the efficiency of nanoparticle loaded with EOs to control microorganism growth on stone materials (preventive and corrective treatment). Baglioni, P., & Giorgi, R. (2006). Soft and hard nanomaterials for restoration and conservation of cultural heritage. Soft Matter, 2(4), 293-303. Droval, G., Aranberri, I., Bilbao, A., German, L., Verelst, M., & Dexpert-Ghys, J. (2008). Antimicrobial activity of nanocomposites: poly (amide) 6 and low density poly (ethylene) filled with zinc oxide. e-Polymers 128, 1-13. Maryam, I., Huzaifa, U., Hindatu, H., & Zubaida, S. (2015). Nanoencapsulation of essential oils with enhanced antimicrobial activity: A new way of combating antimicrobial Resistance. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 4(3), 165-170.
Nanoencapsulation of essential oils as potential natural biocides useful for the conservation-restoration of cultural heritage
G Granata;I Romano;A Poli;I Finore;E Napoli;C Geraci
2018
Abstract
In recent years, nanoscience and nanotechnology have provided interesting solutions to problems concerning the conservation-restoration of cultural heritage. Nanoparticles and nanostructured materials have been successfully applied to consolidate and protect archaeological heritage (Baglioni, & Giorgi, 2006). Microbial biodeterioration processes are one of the main causes of the degradation of cultural heritage and works of art. The growth of biodeteriogenic bacteria can determine aesthetic damages, accompanied by colour and structural changes related to metabolites produced by the same microorganisms. Research in this area is therefore focused on the discovery of new effective treatments, eco-friendly and low toxic, in order to repair and prevent damage caused by the development of bacteria colonization. As an alternative to conventional biocides, characterized by high toxicity, more attention is now paid to the use of natural biocidal products. In this context, the essential oils (EOs), known for their antimicrobial properties, are promising non-toxic and environmentally friendly candidates as natural biocides. However, the high volatility, insolubility in water, and sensitivity to oxygen, light and heat make them difficult to use in cultural heritage remediation. The nanoencapsulation of EOs is a valid and efficient strategy to overcome these obstacles providing nanosystems able to act as reservoir and controlled release of bioactive molecules (Maryam et al., 2015) Inspired by that, essential oils have been encapsulated in selected polymeric nanocarriers based on low cost, no toxic and safe for the environment. The EOs chemical analysis was carried out by GC and GC-MS techniques. The nanosystems synthesized were characterized for physicochemical properties such as particle size, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency, and stability over time. The biocidal evaluation against some selected bacteria, responsible of biodeterioration processes, was determined by test ASTM E2149-01 under dynamic contact condition (Droval et al., 2008). Preliminary experiments were also performed to determine the efficiency of nanoparticle loaded with EOs to control microorganism growth on stone materials (preventive and corrective treatment). Baglioni, P., & Giorgi, R. (2006). Soft and hard nanomaterials for restoration and conservation of cultural heritage. Soft Matter, 2(4), 293-303. Droval, G., Aranberri, I., Bilbao, A., German, L., Verelst, M., & Dexpert-Ghys, J. (2008). Antimicrobial activity of nanocomposites: poly (amide) 6 and low density poly (ethylene) filled with zinc oxide. e-Polymers 128, 1-13. Maryam, I., Huzaifa, U., Hindatu, H., & Zubaida, S. (2015). Nanoencapsulation of essential oils with enhanced antimicrobial activity: A new way of combating antimicrobial Resistance. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 4(3), 165-170.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
