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The rise of nanotechnology has allowed the development of several inorganic nanoparticles with strong biocidal properties against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Among them, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) stand out as one of the most promising antimicrobial nanomaterials. Graphene oxide (GO) is another attractive nanomaterial with antimicrobial properties. Although the antimicrobial effect of AgNPs and GO is known, the development of hybrid materials of GO-AgNPs has considerable interest in various applications since they may exhibit synergistic bactericidal properties that exceed the yields of the individual components. The aims of this work were to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and anti-adhesion properties of AgNPs and GO-AgNPs nanocomposites for potential applications in antimicrobial coatings. The antimicrobial activity was tested by agar diffusion method. It was found that activity varied according to the synthesis procedure of the nanomaterials. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus and Kokuria rhizophila were the most susceptible strains. The nanocomposite GO- AgNPs synthetized using the ex-situ method exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against all the assayed strains. Similar results were obtained for bacterial adhesion inhibition tests. Thus, GO-AgNPs nanohybrids could be applied as antibacterial coatings to prevent bacterial biofilm development., Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología de Pinturas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la provincia de Buenos Aires

The chemicals added to paints used to prevent biofilms on structural materials, contains chemical products that in general, also have toxic effects on the environment. Plants synthesize secondary metabolites which have antimicrobial properties and that may be a sustainable alternative to traditional biocides. The antimicrobial and algaecide effect of natural compounds of vegetal origin such as isoeugenol, carvacrol and vainillic acid was evaluated in a laboratory test by the agar diffusion method and the microatmosphere technique respectively. As antimicrobials, the compounds exerted a moderate to high activity. Vanillic acid was the least effective, followed by isoeugenol, and being carvacrol the most efficient. In the case of algae, the three compounds produced a decrease in the algal growth with respect to the control. Due to these results, carvacrol and isoeugenol were incorporated separately in an exterior waterborne paint at a concentration of 2 % w/w. Samples painted with these formulations were not colonised by algae indicating that these compounds could be used as biocides in paint formulations.

Background: Metal surface immersed in natural or industrial waters undergo a sequence of processes in time and space that lead to the formation of biological and inorganic (scaling) deposit adhesion of different microorganisms (bacteria, microalgae, fungi) on the metal surface through extracellular polymeric substances, causing microbiologically influenced corrosion. The biofilm formation and microbiologically influenced corrosion impact on economic interests and after inorganic corrosion they are the most important problems affecting different industries. The eradication of biofilm in the industry is difficult and costly. Technological importance in the thermoelectric industry by biofilm and biofouling formation lies in energy losses in heat exchanger systems. In the oil industry, problems derived from the presence of biofilms as filter plugging, corrosion in structures storage and distribution of fuel are presented. The aim of this work is to show the different industry cases of microbiologically influenced corrosion: jet aircraft fuel storage tanks and distribution plant, steel plant, thermoelectric industry. The evaluation of microbiologically influenced corrosion and the biofilm formation are investigated. Methods: Microbial counts were performed by conventional techniques. The formation of the biofilm and the attack on the metal surface were studied through scanning electron microscopic techniques. Results: Different results were obtained for each of the industrial environments studied. Conclusion:Strategies to evaluate corrosion problems systems are proposed through microbiological and physical-chemical studies., Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas

To eliminate and prevent the formation of phototrophic biofilms on painted walls, chemicals are added to paints. These chemicals, in general, also have toxic effects on the environment. Plants synthesize secondary metabolites which have antimicrobial properties and that may be a sustainable alternative to traditional biocides. In this work, algal species isolated from biofilms formed on deteriorated painted surfaces were taxonomically identified. Observations with the optical microscope revealed the presence of mixed biofilms composed of algae belonging to the Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta, and Streptophyta divisions. The algaecide effect of natural compounds of vegetal origin such as anisole, eugenol, guaiacol, and thymol was evaluated by the microatmosphere technique. Growth inhibition of phototrophic organisms was obtained with thymol in all the concentrations used. Eugenol and guaiacol showed a total growth inhibition at the highest concentration assayed (300 lmol cm 2) and a decrease in growth at 40 lmol cm 2, while anisole did not exert any inhibitory action at the assayed concentrations. Due to these results, eugenol, thymol, and guaiacol were incorporated in an exterior waterborne paint at a concentration of 2%. Samples painted with these formulations were not colonized by algae, indicating that these compounds could be used as biocides in paint formulations., Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología de Pinturas

Fungi produce pigments and acids, generating particular local conditions which modify the physicochemical properties of materials. The aims of this work are (i) to investigate bioadhesion, foxing production and biofilm formation by Scopulariopsis sp. and Fusarium sp. isolated from document collections under laboratory conditions; (ii) to verify attack on cellulose fibres and (iii) to study the possibility of reducing fungal growth using natural products. Biofilm formation and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production by fungi were demonstrated in laboratory assays and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations. The biocidal activity of two essential oils of Origanum vulgare L. and Thymus vulgaris L. was evaluated using the microatmosphere method. SEM observations showed that these strains were able to attach to paper and form biofilms, causing damage on them, which demonstrates the biodeterioration ability of these microorganisms. Scopulariopsis sp. and Fusarium sp. isolated from paper books showed the formation of fox-like reddish-brown colour spots, attack to the paper structure and pigment production on aged paper samples. The strains tested produced a decrease in the pH of one unit. This would substantiate the effect of the strains in paper biodeterioration. The microatmosphere method showed that volatile compounds of the essential oils have antifungal activity., Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo

Comparative assessment of atmospheric and microbiological deterioration of constructional material of a church, which is part of the Colombian cultural heritage was made using different microbiological and surface analytical techniques complemented by electron microscopy. The main constructional material of the church of Veracruz in the urban area of the city of Medellin is peridotite, an ultramafic igneous rock containing >90% of iron and magnesium minerals such as olivine and pyroxene. Assessment showed that the atmospheric characteristics in the city of Medellin are only slightly aggressive, suggesting that weathering would not be the main cause of decay of the structural material. The main microorganisms isolated from the facade of the church were heterotrophic bacteria and fungi, and phototrophic microalgae and cyanobacteria. Lichens and mosses were also found colonizing the rock. Experimental evidence suggests that deterioration of the peridotite is mainly due to acidifying bacteria and other microbial contaminants and that atmospheric factors would only play a secondary role in the decay.

An immunonoglobulin solution containing IgA, IgG and IgM was used to prevent theformation of Pseudomonas fluorescens ( P. fluorescens ) biofilms on carbonsteel and two different types of stainless steel (SS) of industrial grade. A marked inhibition ofbacterial adhesion was found when an immunoglobulin film was formed on the metal surface priorto the immersion of the sample in bacterial cultures. Microscopic techniques like scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM) and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) were used forassessing adhesion inhibition. The electrochemical behavior of the steels was evaluated by meansof potentiodynamic runs, corrosion potential vs. time evolution and linear polarization resistancetechniques applied in the presence and the absence of the immunoglobulins.

Stone materials exposed to weathering are subject to biological colonization and consequently to biofilm formation, causing biodeterioration. The color changes on the stone substrates caused by biogenic pigments, mechanical stress on the mineral structure due to extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and the accumulation of atmospheric pollutants by the biofilm are some of the deteriogenic effects, which modify esthetic and functional aspects of the work. The aim of this study was to determine biodeterioration and biofilm formation on marble tombstones from La Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires, Argentina. The effect of the biocide benzalkonium chloride on biofilm formation was studied, and a chart produced of the treated tombstones. Pre- and post-intervention microbiological studies, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray dispersion analysis showed a significant decrease of the biofilm flora after treatment. However, algae of the genus Trentepohlia were difficult to eradicate. These studies are a valuable contribution to determine restoration criteria against biofilm formation, to characterize chromatic variations of biological origin on the stone and to formulate conservation and restoration policies. Fil: Guiamet, Patricia Sandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico la Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata; Argentina Fil: Crespo, Miguel. Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Ministerio de Cultura. Subsecretaría de Patrimonio; Argentina Fil: Lavin, Paola. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico la Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; Argentina Fil: Ponce, Beatriz. Secretaría de Industria y Minería. Servicio Geologico Minero Argentino; Argentina Fil: Gaylarde, Christine. University of Portsmouth; Reino Unido Fil: Gómez de Saravia, Sandra Gabriela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico la Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata; Argentina

Documentary heritage is permanently subject to suffering from physical, chemical, and/or biological alterations. Biological deterioration by microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) causes undesirable changes on material properties. Microorganisms affect different organic, natural or synthetic substrates (cellulose, polycarbonates), metals, and compounds of optical and magnetic devices (CD, VHS). Paper made by vegetal fibers, functional additives (glue, optical polishers, consolidating agents), and inks with organic bindings are used as sources of nutrients. The environmental microorganisms that formthe microbial charge of indoor air at repositories (archives, libraries) storing cultural heritage can deteriorate the different supports of heritage importance and affect human health as allergies and skin affections. The aims of this research were to study microbial contamination of the environment and its influence on biodeterioration by the biofilm formation and to analyze the relationship between environment microbiota and biofilm formation in materials stored at three archives in Argentina and in two repositories of the National Archive of the Republic of Cuba., Facultad de Ciencias Exactas

Natural products obtained from plants with biocidal activity represent an alternative and useful source in the control of biodeterioration of documentary heritage, without negative environmental and human impacts. In this work, we studied the antimicrobial activity of seven essential oils against microorganisms associated with the biodeterioration of documentary heritage. The essential oils were obtained by steam distillation. The antimicrobial activity was analyzed using the agar diffusion method against 4 strains of fungi and 6 bacterial strains isolated fromrepositories air and documents of theNational Archive of the Republic of Cuba and theHistorical Archive of theMuseum of La Plata, Argentina. Anise and garlic oils showed the best antifungal activity at all concentrations studied, while oregano oil not only was effective against fungi tested but also prevented sporulation of them all. Orange sweet and laurel oils were ineffective against fungi. Clove, garlic, and oregano oils showed the highest antibacterial activity at 25% against Enterobacter agglomerans and Streptomyces sp., while only clove and oregano oils were effective against Bacillus sp. at all concentrations studied. This study has an important implication for the possible use of the natural products from plants in the control of biodeterioration of documentary heritage., Facultad de Ciencias Exactas

Cemeteries are part of the cultural heritage of urban communities, containing funerary crypts and monuments of historical and architectural interest. Efforts aimed at the conservation of these structures must target not only the abiotic stresses that cause their destruction, such as light and humidity, but also biofouling by biotic agents. The purpose of this study was to assess the development of biofouling of several historically and architecturally valuable crypts at La Plata Cemetery (Argentina). Samples obtained from the biofilms, lichens, and fungal colonies that had developed on the marble surfaces and cement mortar of these crypts were analyzed by conventional microbiological techniques and by scanning electron microscopy. The lichens were identified as Caloplaca austrocitrina, Lecanora albescens, Xanthoparmelia farinosa and Xanthoria candelaria, the fungi as Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp., Candida sp. and Rhodotorula sp., and the bacteria as Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. The mechanisms by which these microorganisms cause the aesthetic and biochemical deterioration of the crypts are discussed. © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. Fil: Guiamet, Patricia Sandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentina Fil: Rosato, Vilma Gabriela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Laboratorio de Entrenamiento Multidisciplinario para la Investigación Tecnológica, La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Tecnológica Nacional; Argentina Fil: Gómez de Saravia, Sandra Gabriela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo; Argentina Fil: Coto García, Ana María. Universidad Politécnica de Madrid; España Fil: Moreno, Diego A.. Universidad Politécnica de Madrid; España

Pre and post-Columbian archeological textiles from the Southern Andean area, sheltered in Deposit 25 at La Plata Museum (Fig. 1), were analyzed by Olympus BX51optical microscopy (OM), FEI Quanta 200 scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Leica SP5 confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) with the aim of studying their biodeterioration3 . For over 120 years, these textiles have provided information to archeologists around the world, and it was through the study of many pieces that we now know in detail the characteristics of the material culture of the various groups that inhabited the territory during the national Holocene period., Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias

The aims of this paper were to study the biofouling and biodeterioration of photos and maps stored at Historical Archive of the Museum of La Plata (HAMP), Argentine, and two repositories of the National Archive of Cuba Republic (NARC) and to carry out the physiological characterization of the isolated fungi and bacteria. The role of the environmental microbiota in the biofouling formation was also studied. Microbial assemblages in the air were sampled by sedimentation technique while those on documents were sampled by swabbering. Biofilm formation and biofouling were monitored by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Large microbial assemblages were found at NARC archives with the prevalence of genera Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium, whereas at HAMP these values were lower, Penicillium was the only fungal genus detected. Most of the fungi degraded cellulose and produced pigments and acids, and all of the isolated bacteria had proteolytic and/or cellulolytic activity. In all cases, a higher concentration of viable bacteria than of fungi was isolated from documents. These results correlated with bacterial values detected in air at NARC repositories. However, this correlation cannot be observed at HAMP where Aspergillus, Penicillium and Talaromyces helicus (teleomorph of Penicillium) were isolated. It is the first time that the last genus is reported in documents.

Biomaterials failures are frequently associated to the formation of bacterial biofilms on the surface. The aim of this work is to study the adhesion of non motile bacteria streptococci consortium and motile Pseudomonas fluorescens. Substrates with micro and nanopatterned topography were used. The influence of surface characteristics on bacterial adhesion was investigated using optical and epifluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Results showed an important influence of the substratum nature. On microrough surfaces, initial bacterial adhesion was less significant than on smooth surfaces. In contrast, nanopatterned samples showed more bacterial attachment than the smooth control. It was also noted a remarkable difference in morphology, orientation and distribution of bacteria between the smooth and the nanostructured substrate. The results show the important effect of substratum nature and topography on bacterial adhesion which depended on the relation between roughness characteristics dimensions and bacterial size., Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas, Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la provincia de Buenos Aires