Open AccessBioprotection of the built environment and cultural heritage
Author(s) -
Gadd Geoffrey Michael,
Dyer Thomas D.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
microbial biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.287
H-Index - 74
ISSN - 1751-7915
DOI - 10.1111/1751-7915.12750
Subject(s) - cultural heritage , environmental planning , business , geography , archaeology
The growth of microbial biofilms and various biomineralization phenomena can lead to the formation of stable layers and veneers on rocks known as ‘rock varnishes’ that can stabilize surfaces and protect from further weathering. This article describes the potential application of fungal systems for bioprotection of rock and mineral‐based substrates and the evidence to support this concept of utilizing natural or engineered colonization and metabolic properties of fungi, including lichens.