Exploring novel bio-based materials and their applications in conservation and restoration with a new interdisciplinary team

Informazioni relative al progetto

BIOBASED2UC

ID dell’accordo di sovvenzione: 101186492

DOI

10.3030/101186492

Data della firma CE 1 Ottobre 2024

Data di avvio 1 Marzo 2025

Data di completamento 28 Febbraio 2030

Finanziato da

• Widening participation and spreading excellence

Costo totale

Nessun dato

Contributo UE

€ 2 119 785,79

Coordinato da

UNIVERSIDADE DE COIMBRA
Portugal

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BIOBASED2UC (Exploring novel bio-based materials and their applications in conservation and restoration with a new interdisciplinary team)

Periodo di rendicontazione: 2025-03-01 al 2026-05-31

Sintesi del contesto e degli obiettivi generali del progetto

Historical cellulosic objects, such as books, manuscripts, maps and painting canvas, are part of the European Union and the world shared history and identity. Yet, these valuable materials are fragile and deteriorate over time. Preserving them for future generations is a challenge that requires innovative and sustainable solutions. The BIOBASED2UC project addresses this challenge by developing new bio-based materials for the conservation and restoration of historical paper objects. The project focuses on nanocelluloses, tiny fibres derived from plant cell walls. These materials obtained from renewable sources, are biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making them an ideal alternative to traditional conservation methods.
The project is being developed at the University of Coimbra (UC), in Portugal, which hosts a rich historical heritage, including countless valuable books and documents in dire need of preservation. While Portugal has an abundance of historical documents, the field of conservation and restoration using bio-based materials is less developed compared to other European countries. This project aims to fill that gap.
To achieve this, BIOBASED2UC brings together a team of researchers led by a world-renowned expert in the field of bio-based materials. The project has two main research directions: first, developing sustainable methods to produce nanocelluloses and nanocellulose-based films; and second, develop methodologies to apply these materials in the conservation and restoration of historical cellulosic objects, such as old books and documents.
The project also aims to create a permanent research group at the UC, strengthening Portugal's capacity for cutting-edge research in bio-based materials. By training new researchers, publishing scientific findings in reputed journals, and building a network with museums, archives and libraries, BIOBASED2UC seeks to make a lasting contribution to both science and society.

Lavoro eseguito dall’inizio del progetto fino alla fine del periodo coperto dalla relazione e principali risultati finora ottenuti

During its first 15 months, the BIOBASED2UC project has made significant progress towards its goals.
i. Building the research team: The project successfully recruited a core team of five researchers, including PhD students and experienced researchers, who are now working together at the UC. The team has been integrated into the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemical Engineering and Renewable Resources for Sustainability (CERES) Research Centre of the University of Coimbra and is already collaborating on scientific activities. An administrative and communications officer was also hired for the BIOBASED2UC project.
ii. Training and capacity building: A comprehensive training programme was delivered to the research team, covering scientific writing, research management, grant proposal preparation and career development. In total, 51 hours of training were provided, exceeding the original target of 48 hours.
iii. Advancing the science: The project has established the laboratory capacity needed to produce nanocelluloses using different formulations and methods. Research has also begun on recovering and reusing chemicals used during nanocellulose production, making the processes more sustainable. The team has developed functional nanocellulose films with promising properties, including grease resistance and water repellency. These proprieties seem promising for usage in the cultural heritage preservation and restoration fields. The project also started to explore the production of larger nanocellulose films (A3 size) which are more suitable for real conservation applications. This has been done in close consultation with conservators, ensuring that the materials developed meet the practical needs of heritage professionals.
iv. Scientific dissemination: The project's first scientific article was published in a leading journal in open-access format. A second manuscript was submitted for publication, and a review article on bacterial nanocellulose for paper conservation is nearing completion. Project results have been presented at international conferences, with additional presentations accepted for upcoming events.
v. Engaging with stakeholders: The project has begun building a national network with conservation professionals. Regular meetings have been held with conservators from the University of Coimbra's Archive, and a seminar on cultural heritage conservation organized by the project team attracted 49 participants, including many from museums, archives and libraries.
vi. Data management and communication: A Data Management Plan was established to ensure that research outputs are preserved and shared in accordance with open science principles. The project also launched a website and social media channels to share its progress with the public.

Progressi oltre lo stato dell’arte e potenziale impatto previsto (incluso l’impatto socioeconomico e le implicazioni sociali più ampie del progetto fino ad ora)

Although the project is still in an early stage, some significant results are already emerging that go beyond the current state of the art.
New materials for conservation: The development of nanocellulose films with combined properties of transparency, grease resistance and hydrophobic behaviour represents a potential breakthrough for paper conservation. Traditional methods often use materials such as Japanese paper, which are less transparent and have more limited barrier properties. When nanocellulose has been used in conservation/restoration, it has been used at a smaller scale. The current developed nanocellulose films with larger size could offer a superior alternative, allowing conservators to repair and protect historical documents more effectively.
To ensure further uptake of the results of the project, more research is needed to test the materials on real historical objects and refine the methodologies for practical use. New nanocellulose formulations are also currently being studied, in order to find the best ones for the target application. Continued engagement with conservators and heritage institutions will be essential to ensure that the developed materials meet professional standards and can be adopted in practice.