Exploring the Combination of Microgels and Nanostructured Fluids for the Cleaning of Works of Art.

Cultural Heritage is a vital socioeconomic driver that must contend with works of art continuously exposed to degradation processes, which are further exacerbated by climate change. Aged coatings, varnishes, and soil can compromise the appearance of artworks, preventing their preservation and valorization. In response, soft matter and colloidal systems, such as nanostructured cleaning fluids (NCFs), have proved to be valuable solutions for safely and effectively cleaning works of art.

"Twin-Chain" Hydrogels with Tailored Porosity, Surface Roughness, and Cleaning Capabilities.

The remedial conservation of cultural heritage requires advanced functional materials that span from soft matter to nanostructured formulations, whose study is relevant to different fields, ranging from cosmetics and detergency to tissue engineering. In the vast landscape of innovative materials developed to counteract artwork degradation, gels have emerged as ideal candidates for cleaning delicate and complex surfaces. More specifically, twin-chain networks (TCNs), i.

Isolation of a novel microplastic-degrading bacterial strain: a promising agent for low-density polyethylene remediation.

This study investigates the biodegradation capabilities of two bacterial strains, Rhodococcus erythropolis and Paenarthrobacter nitroguajacolicus, identifying P. nitroguajacolicus as a novel candidate for its ability to degrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a major contributor to plastic pollution. Both strains were isolated from plastic-contaminated environments and cultivated in laboratory conditions with LDPE as the sole carbon source.

New perspectives on green and sustainable wet cleaning systems for art conservation.

The field of cultural heritage conservation science has seen significant advancements over recent decades, particularly through the application of soft matter and colloid science. Gels, nanostructured fluids, nanoparticles, and other advanced functional materials have been developed to address challenges in cleaning, consolidation, and protection of art. More recently, the focus has shifted toward "green" materials and sustainable practices, aligning with broader trends in science and technology.