Some of the most endangered artworks are the historical and archaeological copper-based artefacts. In fact, it is known that the nature of the corrosion products present on the surface of copper alloys is intrinsically related to the environmental context (atmospheric or burial). In order to effectively protect and inhibit the corrosion of these artefacts, the practices adopted should take into account the nature of the patina and its corrosion behavior.
However, the treatments so far employed are organic protective coatings or inhibitors, which do not consider the difference in terms of patina composition and corrosion products stability and simply create a passive barrier against aggressive environments in a non-selective way. Moreover, some toxic inhibitors pose potential threats to human health and to the environment.

The objective of the project is to propose an alternative biological treatment for the conservation-restoration of copper alloys artefacts. Taking advantage of unique properties of carefully selected fungal species, the project relies on the conversion of existing corrosion patinas into copper oxalates. In fact, thanks to their insolubility and stability even in acidic atmospheres, copper oxalates are expected to provide the treated objects with long-term protection and no aesthetical alteration.

To reach our goals, the treatment under development will be:
- Proof-tested under ageing conditions through the exposure of real objects to aggressive weather conditions (especially true for outdoor objects),
- Proof-tested for the appearance of the treated object, resistance to corrosion and cohesion of the biopatina onto the object’s surface,
- Standardized to become (and be perceived as) simple and efficient for all uses and consumers.