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Revision as of 02:12, 9 May 2012 by Kking (talk | contribs) (→‎Introduction: new section)

Introduction

Bacteria can play interesting roles in the creation, deterioration, and preservation of artwork. Bacterial processes can produce a wide spectrum of colored pigments that people have been able to isolate and extract for use in art. Scientists and artists alike are able to make artistic patterns with these bacterial pigments through selective bacterial culturing. These pigments can also be used in the coloration process of food, textiles, and paints. While bacteria can have a hand in the direct production of art, microbes can also pose significant threats to existing artwork. The presence and metabolic processes of microbes on art, particularly on ancient cave art, can cause serious deteriorative harm to the artwork. However, while bacteria cause these deteriorative issues, they can also help solve them. Certain bacteria are being used more and more in the restoration of art and may even be key in helping to prevent art deterioration in the first place.