The effect of nano-TiO2 and plant extracts on microbial strains isolated from Theban ancient Egyptian royal tomb painting

A study on the deterioration of ancient Egyptian royal tomb paintings in West Thebes, Egypt, identified microbial strains contributing to bio-deterioration. Three fungi (Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus flavus) and two bacteria (Staphylococcus warnei, Micrococcus luteus) were isolated from the paintings. The research found that nano-TiO2 at 160 ppm and plant extracts (Sesbania sesban and Ricinus communis) at 100 mg effectively eliminated microbial growth without altering pigments or binding media like arabic gum. While these treatments showed promise, potential risks of recolonization by viable cells left behind were noted.

Rafat, K., & Abdou, A. O. D. E. D. (2015). The effect of nano-TiO2 and plant extracts on microbial strains isolated from Theban ancient Egyptian royal tomb painting. African Journal of Microbiology Research, 9(21), 1424–1430. https://doi.org/10.5897/ajmr2015.7432