Technologies for Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage

The module is dedicated to illustrate what are fungi, why they can be the agents of deterioration of cultural heritage and what are the strategies to prevent or cure their negative action. In addition, the course includes an introduction to molecular biology and in particular to DNA and PCR in the context of a broader reference to the strategies currently used for the recognition of these biological deterioration fungal species.. Specific skills A) Knowledge and understanding - Fungi - Fungi and biodeterioration of the cultural heritage - Strategies for prevention and treatment of fungal spoilage - 4. isolation strategies and recognition of spoilage fungi - 5. DNA and PCR - 6. DNA barcoding and molecular taxonomy B) Applying knowledge and understanding - how using specific terminology - Identify the main factors due to the bio-deterioration of cultural heritage - Identify the important activities for fungal bio-deterioration - Outline strategies for controlling the deteriorating fungi of cultural heritage - Recognize the deterioration fungi of cultural heritage through classical and molecular techniques C) Making judgements - Identification of new perspectives / development strategies for the protection of cultural heritage - Evaluation, interpretation and reprocessing of literature data in the field of bio-deterioration of cultural heritage D) Communication skills - Ability to illustrate the results of research and experimentation carried out in the context of the exercises - Ability to understand manuscripts in English and to indicate the salient features of the oral exam E) Learning skills - Learn the specific terminology of microbiologists - Logically connect the acquired knowledge in the field of bio-deterioration of cultural heritage - Identify the most relevant topics of the subjects dealt with - how consulting specialist databases (e.g. ncbi)