Quantification of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus sp. Adhesion on Fez Medina Cedar Wood

Researchers found that Bacillus sp., a bacterium contributing to cedar wood decay in Fez's historic Medina, adheres more effectively to the wood surface (90% coverage) compared to Bacillus subtilis (40% coverage). The study quantified bacterial adhesion using environmental scanning electron microscopy and image analysis software. It also revealed distinct physicochemical properties: Bacillus sp. exhibited hydrophilic, electron-donating behavior, while B. subtilis was hydrophobic. Cedar wood, used in Fez's architecture, displayed hydrophobic traits with prevalent electron-donor characteristics (γ– = 6 ± 4 mJ/m²; γ+ = 0 ± 3 mJ/m²). These findings highlight the bacterial interactions influencing wood preservation challenges in UNESCO-listed sites.

Soumya, E. A., Fatima, H., Hassan, L., Abdellatif, H., & Saad, I. K. (2011). Quantification of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus sp. Adhesion on Fez Medina Cedar Wood. Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, 25(13), 1506–1512. https://doi.org/10.1163/016942410x524011