Application and Monitoring of Oxidative Alginate–Biocide Hydrogels for Two Case Studies in “The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera”

A novel biocide treatment using alginate–oxidizing hydrogels successfully removed biological colonization from the historic buildings of Matera, Italy, while preserving the original chromaticity of the surfaces. This approach, tested on two UNESCO World Heritage Site churches—San Pietro Barisano and Madonna dei Derelitti—demonstrated long-term efficacy, with no recolonization observed even after two years. The treatment minimized environmental impact by avoiding excessive biocide use and was followed by protective acrylic coatings to further prevent biological regrowth. Colorimetric and microscopic analyses confirmed the restoration of original surface characteristics without material grain loss.

Gabriele, F., Bruno, L., Casieri, C., Ranaldi, R., Rugnini, L., & Spreti, N. (2022). Application and Monitoring of Oxidative Alginate–Biocide Hydrogels for Two Case Studies in “The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera”. Coatings, 12(4), 462. https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12040462