Abstract
Microbial biotechnology offers innovative solutions for the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage (CH) materials, addressing biodeterioration and the limitations of traditional methods. This study explores the application of microbial biotechnology for bio-cleaning and self-healing preservation of heritage structures. Bio-cleaning refers to the use of microorganisms to selectively remove unwanted deposits such as dirt, biofilms, and encrustations, while self-healing preservation involves microbial-induced processes that enhance material durability by filling micro-cracks and improving surface integrity. These eco-friendly techniques offer promising solutions for sustainable conservation. Traditional methods often fail to prevent biofilm overgrowth and structural weakening, but advancements in microbial technologies present new approaches that use harmless microbes and avoid hazardous chemicals. Multidisciplinary collaborations are integrating microbial enzymes, bio-cleaning agents, and self-healing materials tailored to each artefact’s unique composition. The study highlights microbial biotechnology’s role in mitigating climate change impacts on CH preservation. While microbial biotechnology offers sustainable conservation solutions, potential risks include unintended interactions with heritage materials. Challenges such as microbial ecosystem complexity, lack of long-term studies, and regulatory uncertainties may impact its effectiveness, necessitating further interdisciplinary research. Despite these challenges, microbial enzymes and bio-cleaning agents can reduce costs and labor. The environmentally friendly nature of these methods ensures sustainable CH conservation. This paper emphasizes the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing biotechnological solutions to address biodeterioration and climate change, enhancing the preservation of CH.
License
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Article Type: Research Article
EUR J SUSTAIN DEV RES, Volume 9, Issue 4, 2025, Article No: em0320
https://doi.org/10.29333/ejosdr/16580
Publication date: 01 Oct 2025
Online publication date: 07 Jul 2025
Article Views: 45
Article Downloads: 39
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