MICRO-C-OMICS #7: Art-loving Bacteria
- G. Gulez
- Jan 8, 2019
- 1 min read
Who knew that bacteria have an appetite for art ! Well, maybe not as we human do but they certainly enjoy “eating” the paintings. The pigments and other compounds in a painting serve as nutrients for some bacteria. As a result of bacterial colonization, the paintings could be deteriorated. But don’t get mad to all bacteria for ruining your favorite art piece! Scientist have been exploring the use of beneficial bacteria for restoration and preservation of paintings (similar to using probiotics to restore our gut health).
There is more. Scientists also found that some bacterial species are associated with specific pigments. A feature, which scientists think could be used to identify forgery as it is not easy to replicate the established microbial community in a painting.
