Assessment of microbiota present on a Portuguese historical stone convent using high ‐throughput sequencing approaches

A multianalytical approach based on culture ‐dependent methods, high‐throughput sequencing, and scanning electron microscopy was implemented to characterize the microbiota on stone of the Convent of Christ (Tomar, Portugal). The biocolonizer agents detected induce aesthetic damages and structural alterations on these materials, promoting the appearance of stains, biofilms, and detachment of stone fragments. These findings are a starting point for the implementation of a long‐term monitorization plan to prevent the decay of this monument and promote its safeguard. AbstractThe study performed on the stone materials from the Convent of Christ revealed the presence of a complex microbial ecosystem, emphasizing the determinant role of microorganisms on the biodecay of this built cultural heritage. In this case study, the presence ofRubrobacter sp.,Arthrobacter sp.,Roseomonas sp.,and Marinobacter sp. seems to be responsible for colored stains and biofilm formation whileUlocladium sp.,Cladosporium sp., andDirina sp. may be related to structural damages. The implementation of high ‐throughput sequencing approaches on the Convent of Christ's biodecay assessment allowed us to explore, compare, and characterize the microbial communities, overcoming the limitations of culture‐dependent techniques, which only identify the cultivable population. The application of these differe nt tools and insights gave us a panoramic view of the microbiota thriving on the Convent of Christ and ...
Source: MicrobiologyOpen - Category: Microbiology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research