SCIENTISTS HAVE recruited bugs to kill other insects and micro-organisms which infest art and cultural treasures, boosting conservation efforts in hot climates.
Biotechnology can unleash a bacillus to “explode the guts” of beetles which damage paintings, frescos, tapestries and sculptures, a gathering of scientists and curators in Venezuela will be told today. Certain bugs, once harnessed, are cheap and effective defences against humidity and insects, said Jose-Luis Ramirez, director of the UN University’s programme for biotechnology for Latin America and the Caribbean.
“We can use the toxins produced by some bugs to counter other pests or fungus,” he said. “You don’t need sophisticated equipment to protect great works of heritage, all you need are bugs.”
Scientists from Europe and Latin America will give biotechnology tips to curators at the 4th Cultural Heritage Conservation Forum in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas. They say micro-organisms are cheaper, safer and effective alternatives to chemicals.
Biotechnology uses living organisms to mould products or processes to a specific use. Genetically modified food and some medical techniques have raised suspicion, but its use in heritage conservation has proved less controversial.
One of the conference stars will be Bacillus thuringiensis, a bacterium which forms toxin crystals harmless to humans but deadly to insects. When ingested, the toxin forms a pore in the insect’s gut which results in swelling.
“Eventually it makes their guts explode,” said Ramirez.
The problem, however, is delivering the bacterium to insects burrowed deep into artworks. “We are still experimenting with how to get it into wood carvings,” said the scientist.
Cultural treasures made of organic materials such as paper, canvas, wood and leather are especially prone to decay in warm and tropical countries because of insects, fungus and bacteria. Beetles and termites have ruined paintings in Italian churches, furniture in Mexico and tapestries in Bolivia. – ( Guardianservice)