18th-century frescoes in Valencia, Spain, restored using bacteria by researchers Pilar Roig and Pilar Bosch.

Researchers Pilar Roig and her daughter, Pilar Bosch, have created a technique to restore 18th-century frescoes in Valencia, Spain, using bacteria. This method involves training bacteria to break down damaging animal collagen glue from a past restoration. The bacteria produce enzymes that degrade the glue when mixed with an algae-based gel, allowing for quicker, effective restoration. Their innovative approach has also been applied to other historical sites and is being tested for graffiti removal.

September 27, 2024
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