Nanoscale characterization of the fibrillar networking in collagen-based cultural heritage artefacts

Parchment and leather artefacts are frequently involved in biodeterioration processes. Ionizing radiations represent a valid alternative to the chemical biocide normally employed to stop these deterioration processes. In this work, the use of the X-rays irradiation has been tested to evaluate its possible application to inhibit the microbial growth on parchment and leather samples. Two microscopic techniques, namely SEM and AFM, have been used to obtain information on the effects eventually induced by the treatment on the collagen matrix, helping to identify the threshold dose for which the treatment results effective and safe for parchment. and leather cultural heritage objects.