Protection of 18th century paper using antimicrobial nano-magnesium oxide. (July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Castillo, Isabel Franco; De Matteis, Laura; Marquina, Clara; Guillén, Esther García; Martínez de la Fuente, Jesús; Mitchell, Scott G.
• Is Part Of: International biodeterioration & biodegradation. Volume 141(2019)
• Page Start: 79
• Page End: 86
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Subjects: Magnesium oxide -- Nanoparticles -- Paper heritage -- Antimicrobial activity -- Oxidative stress; Biodegradation -- Periodicals; Bioremediation -- Periodicals; Biodegradation -- Periodicals; Biodégradation -- Périodiques; Biorestauration -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 620.11223
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ibiod.2018.04.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-8305

Abstract

Abstract: Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) have attracted considerable interest as antimicrobial agents in a wide variety of applications. We report a simple synthetic route towards MgO NPs (average diameter 10 nm) possessing potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Detailed electron microscopy studies show how these particles induce oxidative stress, cell membrane leakage and cell death in bacteria at low NP concentrations, but remain non-toxic to eukaryotic cells. Applying a homogeneous dispersion of these nanoparticles on 18th century paper proved to be a highly effective means of preventing bacterial colonisation without altering the appearance of the paper samples, thus opening the doors to the use of these colourless, low-cost, and scalable nanoparticles for preventing biodeterioration in a range of paper-based objects and surfaces. Highlights: Nano-magnesium oxide particles (MgO NPs) of average size of around 10 nm have been synthesised using a simple one-pot synthesis. The MgO NPs offer potent bactericidal activity but are non-toxic to mammalian cells at the same concentrations. A combination of electron microscopy techniques shows how these nanoparticles produce oxidative stress, followed by cell membrane leakage and death. The MgO NPs prevented bacterial colonisation of 18th century papers from the Archives of the Spanish Royal Botanic Garden.