Ozone-Loaded Hydrogels as an Eco-Friendly Strategy to Control Phototrophic Biofilms on Cultural Heritage Surfaces.

ABSTRACT: Biodeterioration represents a major threat to cultural heritage, as microbial colonization can cause both esthetic and structural damage. The use of conventional chemical biocides raises concerns due to environmental and health risks, potential substrate deterioration, and the emergence of resistant strains. In this study, an ozone-loaded bacterial cellulose (OBC) hydrogel was investigated as an eco-friendly, broad-spectrum antimicrobial treatment in the case study of the Cryptoporticus of the Baths of Trajan (Rome, Italy), a hypogean archeological site where some structures are severely affected by phototrophic biofilms. Microorganisms isolated from a colonized wall were employed in laboratory assays. OBC hydrogel exhibited strong antimicrobial activity, with >90% bacterial mortality with

SUBMITTER: Sonaglia E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12652493 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature