Nanocellulose and nanolignin application for the cleaning and conservation of cultural heritage objects

• Grant number: 23/13253-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: July 01, 2024 - June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Camila Alves de Rezende
• Grantee: Camila Alves de Rezende
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Camilla Henriques Maia de Camargos

Abstract

This research proposal is a part of the GreenArt Project (GREen ENdeavor in Art ResToration), an international consortium funded by the Horizon Europe, which aims to develop sustainable solutions for the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage objects. The UNICAMP team proposes the use of plant nanostructures (cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibrils and lignin nanoparticles) extracted from an agricultural residue, sugarcane bagasse, to fabricate: 1) Protective coatings for cellulose-based cultural heritage artifacts and 2) Gels for the cleaning of cultural heritage objects. In general, both cellulose and lignin are abundant and unexpensive, environmentally friendly, able to be functionalized, renewable and biodegradable. Nanocelluloses also exhibit high mechanical performance, and optical transparency, while lignin has a chemical composition rich in phenolic groups with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and UV protection properties, which are enhanced at the nanoscale. This research project aims at developing pliable hydrogels, ultra stretchable nanocomposites and hierarchical colloidal suspensions that combine nanocellulose, lignin nanoparticles and/or other biopolymers to fabricate "greener' protective coatings and cleaning gels that might substitute the synthetic products currently used for the conservation and restoration of works of art, archaeological artifacts, and historical documents. This is a research area with numerous possibilities for innovation and advances in the direction of cleaner and more sustainable processes, with notable cultural, social, and economic impacts. This research proposal aims at acquiring low-cost equipment and consumables, as well as covering travel and accommodation expenses, not only for field trips and experiments but mainly for the team's participation in the consortium's biannual meetings, which occur periodically in Europe and are essential for presentation of the results and for establishing effective exchanges with GreenArt partner institutions. (AU)