Microbes and cultural heritage: from biodiversity to applications

Abstract

The Research Topic "Microbes and cultural heritage: from biodiversity to applications” brings together 11 contributions that collectively advance the field of heritage microbiology. Rather than focusing solely on descriptive surveys of microbial diversity, these studies integrate ecological perspectives with conservation science. By combining modern analytical approaches with material and environmental studies, the contributions demonstrate that understanding microbial biodiversity is essential not only for diagnosing biodeterioration processes but also for designing sustainable and informed preservation strategies. Taken together, the studies illustrate the ongoing transition of heritage microbiology from a descriptive discipline toward a more predictive and application oriented field.