A NEW USE OF HYDROLATES TO PRESERVE PAPER ARTWORKS FROM BIODETERIOGENS ATTACK

Thanks to their cytocidal action on microbial agents, essential oils and their waste products (hydrolates) are object of interest in bioconservation fields. Our research analyses the actions of hydrolates when used, with different methodologies, in order to preserve paper artworks and human health. This work will describe the results obtained with GELYD (GELlan + hYDrolat) made to give the gellan hydrogel both microbial resistance and cytocidal action against biodeteriogens using hydrolates. Furthermore, the preliminary results obtained to evaluate the effectiveness of GELYD when used to control the fungal growth in closed environments, will be showed Micro-broth dilution assays were performed to identify the fungicidal action of 16 hydrolates vs 3 fungal strains. The study concerned the Minimal Fungicidal Concentration, ATP test and pH, colour and ultra-structural variations on paper samples placed in contact with GELYD. The in vitro and in situ tests showed that only two hydrolates (from Monarda fistulosa and Citrus aurantium subsp amara) have fungicidal action when used in GELYD directly in contact with paper. However, the only to be effective in closed environments is the GELYD made with C. aurantium. If confirmed, our data indicate a new and eco-innovative use of hydrolates.