EFFICACY OF DEEP EUTECTIC SOLVENTS (DESs) FOR MITIGATING BIODETERIORATION IN CULTURAL HERITAGE: IN SITU EVALUATION

The preservation of stone materials faces significant challenges due to biological deterioration, compromising the visual appearance and structural integrity of artifacts. Current cleaning treatments use toxic chemical biocides, with a high impact on the environment and human health. Research is turning to eco-friendly alternatives, such as Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs), which offer a promising combination of biocidal properties and eco-friendly, as well as features such as biodegradability, non-flammability and non-volatility. This study defines the efficacy of Choline Chloride-based DESs reported in the literature as biocides in a real case study on an outdoor exposed magmatic effusive rock at the University of Calabria. Several analytical techniques were used to define DESs biocidal efficacy, monitoring their action for 6 months. This study contributes to the evidence of DESs' ability to keep treated surfaces clean, thus promoting the long-term preservation of materials. Macroscopic and microscopic observations, spectrocolorimetry, bioluminometry and FTIR spectroscopy have highlighted the significant potential of DESs as sustainable biocidal solvents for the preservation of stone materials exposed outdoors.