The Secret Cleaning Power of Bacteria

Microbes are really good at eating a range of substances, so humans are putting them to work cleaning up our messes — and our art.

By Brianna Barbu
Jul 20, 2021 7:47 PMJul 20, 2021 7:48 PM
Close-up of 3D microscopic blue bacteria
(Credit: paulista/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

The centuries-old Medici Chapel in Florence, Italy, was long overdue for a deep cleaning. 

Although created to be a spectacular final resting place for members of Renaissance Italy’s most infamous family, the mausoleum had since accumulated a few layers of grime. Its formerly gleaming marble was discolored by glue residue, bits of plaster, oils… and organic matter from the decayed body of Alessandro de’ Medici, whose corpse was not properly eviscerated before being dumped into his father’s crypt in 1537.

After more than a decade of cleaning and restoration work, an all-women team of art historians, conservation scientists and restorers secretly turned to an unconventional method for busting its stubbornest stains last year: applying a paste of bacteria to literally eat them. 

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.