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Functionalization of Artwork Packaging Materials Utilizing Ag-Doped TiO2 and ZnO Nanoparticles
Summary
Researchers developed antimicrobial coatings for museum packaging materials by doping TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles with silver and dispersing them in PVA or acrylic resin, then applied them to cellulose and Tyvek substrates. Testing against Cladosporium sp. confirmed biocidal efficacy, suggesting these functionalized materials could help prevent fungal biodegradation of artworks during storage and handling.
Most of the artworks stored in museums are often kept in inappropriate climatic and environmental conditions that facilitate the formation and growth of microorganisms, such as fungi, which are responsible for many types of biodegradation phenomena. To mitigate and prevent these deteriorative processes, functionalized packaging materials can be used for the storage and handling of artworks. The aim of this study was to develop a potential anti-biodeterioration coating suitable for packaging purposes. TiO2 and ZnO doped with different amounts of Ag (0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, and 3 wt%) were synthesized and dispersed in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and acrylic resin (Paraloid B72), then applied on different types of packaging materials (cellulose and the high-density spunbound polyethylene fiber Tyvek®, materials that are frequently used as packaging in museums). Analytical investigations (SEM/EDS, Raman, FTIR, and XRD) were employed to assess dispersion on the packaging material. Furthermore, resistance against biodeteriogens was assessed using Cladosporium sp., a bioluminometer, to define the biocidal efficacy.