Bio-inspired Nanosystems for the Conservation and Preservation of Lignocellulosic Artworks – BIO4ART

Funder: Project funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Mission 4 Component 2 Investment 1.3 – Cascade Call related to the Program “Cultural Heritage Active Innovation for Next-Gen Sustainable Society –  CHANGES – Spoke 7” funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU;

Award Number: Cascade Call related to the Program  “Cultural Heritage Active Innovation for Next-Gen Sustainable Society –  CHANGES – Spoke 7” PE00000020, CUP B53C22004010006;

Start date: 01/10/2024

End date: 30/09/2025

Total NRRP funding for the cascade call: € 804.995,00

Total NRRP funding for Unipr: € 150.000,00  

The BIO4ART project focuses on developing bio-inspired hybrid nanosystems for the conservation and preservation of lignocellulosic artworks, such as paper, textiles, and wood. These materials, found in various historical libraries and museums, are prone to deterioration due to physical, chemical, and biological factors. The project aims to create eco-friendly, long-lasting treatments using cellulose nanocrystals and polyamidoamines, which can be further enhanced with metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles. These innovative treatments will improve the durability and stability of the artworks while being compatible with their original materials.

The University of Parma (UNIPR) leads the project with specific tasks divided into three work packages (WPs). 

• WP1: UNIPR will formulate and characterize cellulose nanocrystals from cotton and agricultural wastes, synthesize metal oxide nanoparticles using the sol-gel method, and produce silver nanoparticle suspensions through chemical reduction. These colloidal suspensions and hybrid PAA solutions will be fully characterized
• WP2: involves applying these innovative nanosystems to laboratory samples, testing their compatibility, and subjecting them to artificial aging. The effectiveness of these treatments on paper, textiles, and wood will be evaluated
• WP3: focuses on diagnostic activities to optimize procedures for original artworks and includes dissemination activities throughout the project duration

The University of Parma is the project leader and participates in all three work packages.

• Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability

• Università di Trento
• Università di Messina

The expected results for UNIPR from the BIO4ART project include the successful development and characterization of innovative, eco-friendly nanosystems for the conservation of lignocellulosic artworks. These nanosystems, based on cellulose nanocrystals and polyamidoamines, will be thoroughly tested for their effectiveness in enhancing the durability and stability of paper, textiles, and wood. The project aims to demonstrate significant improvements in the physical and chemical properties of treated materials, such as increased resistance to biotic attacks, improved dimensional stability, and enhanced UV-stability. Additionally, the project will provide valuable data on the compatibility of these treatments with the original materials, ensuring minimal alteration and long-term preservation.

Furthermore, UNIPR expects to establish robust protocols for the application of these nanosystems, validated through extensive laboratory testing and artificial aging processes. The dissemination of these findings through publications, conferences, and public events will enhance the visibility and impact of the research. The creation of a comprehensive database of the project's results will serve as a valuable resource for future conservation efforts, supporting the broader scientific community and stakeholders in the field of cultural heritage preservation.

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