Microbiology

A.Y. 2025/2026
6
Max ECTS
72
Overall hours
SSD
AGR/16
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
"This course provides information on microbial deterioration of cultural heritage and
points out critical environmental parameters for proper conservation. The course is an introduction to
biodeteriogens and their identification, prevention and control on different cultural heritage materials.
Finally, the course provides the basic on how to apply microorganisms for the cleaning and consolidation of
cultural heritage surfaces.
Expected learning outcomes
An understanding of how the colonisation and activities of microorganisms in cultural heritage environments affect conservation. The design of acceptable scientific solutions to microbial problems in indoor environments (e.g. museums, libraries and archives), and outdoor environments (e.g. monuments and archaeological sites). The use of microorganisms for cleaning and consolidation purposes.
Single course

This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Scientific and cultural heritage literature search. Bioreceptivity. Biodeterioration. Deterioration Mechanisms: chemical, physical and aesthetics processes. Insights into biological microbiological agents found on cultural heritage and introduction to lichens. Environmental parameters and microbial growth (nutrients, pH, temperature, oxygen etc.). Biofilm and biofouling. Aerobiology. Cultivation. Introduction to microscopy optical and electronic techniques and instrumentation. Introduction to molecular biology techniques. Biodeterioration of organic cultural heritage. Biodeterioration of inorganic cultural heritage. Preventive conservation. Temperature, relative humidity and anti-biofilm compounds. Active conservation. Physical and chemical (biocides) methods. Bioremediation/biorecovery of cultural heritage. Immunodiagnostics. Microorganisms and enzymes for stone cleaning. Bioprecipitation of calcite and biopatinas.
Lab classes. Understand and comply with laboratory safety rules and procedures. Sterility. Serial dilution method of counting microorganisms. Optical observations of wet mount preparations. Evaluation of microbial activity. DNA extraction, PCR amplification, gel electrophoresis. Principles of sequencing and sequence analysis.
Prerequisites for admission
Being familiar with eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, chemical reactions, and cultural heritage materials.
Teaching methods
The teaching is given as lectures (4.5 credits) and laboratory classes (1.5 credits).
Teaching Resources
Handouts on Ariel. Suggested scientific manuscripts. Supplementary readings: Biodeterioration and Preservation in Art, Archaeology and Architecture, eds. Mitchell R., Clifford J., 2018, Archetype; Coping with Biological Growth on Stone Heritage Objects: Methods, Products, Applications, and Perspectives, ed. Daniela Pinna, 2017, CRC Press. Microorganisms in the Deterioration and Preservation of Cultural Heritage, Editors: E. Joseph, 2021, https://www.springer.com/us/book/9783030694104
Assessment methods and Criteria
WRITTEN EXAMINATION: multiple choice questions on the entire program and scientific articles provided during lectures (duration 40 minutes). Furthermore, students attending the lab will be evaluated also on the submitted individual report on the activity carried out in the laboratory (to be delivered by the second week of June of the same semester). For exam arrangements, you must inform the UniMI Disability Office (https://www.unimi.it/it/ugov/ou-structure/cosp-ufficio-servizi-studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa).
Students with DSA and with disabilities are invited to contact the professors by email at least 15 days before the scheduled examination date in order to agree on any individualised measures, as compensatory tools and dispensatory measure. In the email addressed to the lecturer it is necessary to put in CC the respective University Services: [email protected] (for students with DSA) and [email protected] (for students with disabilities)".
AGR/16 - AGRICULTURAL MICROBIOLOGY - University credits: 6
: 36 hours
Lessons: 36 hours
Shifts:
turno I
Professor: Cappitelli Francesca
turno II
Professor: Cappitelli Francesca
Professor(s)
Reception:
by email appointment
Room 3019, 3rd floor, Via L. Mangiagalli 25