Goals

The main objective of this research work is the development of new natural materials extracted from indigenous or naturalized plants that can be used as biocides in the preservation of cultural and artistic heritage.

To achieve this goal, the research team gathers knowledge from different areas, namely Chemistry and Materials, Biology, Biotechnology, Ecotoxicology, Sustainability and Conservation and Restoration, to carry out a comprehensive study. The team also includes one specialist with international experience, specialized in urbanism architecture and restoration of historic heritage. This specialist will allow the evaluation of the methodologies used, as well as the analysis and comparison of the results with other case studies.

To achieve the project objectives the methodology involves the following tasks:

1. Extraction and purification of extracts: obtaining essential oils through Clevenger type hydrodistillation and obtaining solvent extracts using Soxhlet extraction;
2. Chemical characterization of biocides: analysis of extracts through GC-MS assays;
3. Laboratory tests to evaluate biocide potential: laboratory-scale tests in vitro and in test vials to evaluate the biocide power and impact on the materials to be preserved;
4. Ecotoxicological tests: determination of the limits of acute toxicity of extract solutions that exhibited a better biocidal behaviour on different living beings (planktonic crustaceans, gastropods and plants);
5. In situ testing: application of biocidal solutions developed on stone and ceramic materials from the collection of two emblematic sites of the country's cultural heritage - the Convent of Christ in Tomar (classified UNESCO world heritage) and the Monographic Museum of Conimbriga (archaeological materials from the ruins of the Roman city of Conimbriga). The application will consider the diagnosis of pathologies, colonizing microorganisms, and environmental exposure conditions (humidity and sun exposure).