Journal of Cultural Heritage最新文献

{"title":"In-situ digestion and micro-destructive sampling for dental proteomic sex determination analysis using polyvinylalcohol-based gel","authors":"Enrico Greco ,&nbsp;Matteo Battistella ,&nbsp;Elia Marin ,&nbsp;Andrea Casini ,&nbsp;Leonardo Bellandi ,&nbsp;Caterina Gabriele ,&nbsp;Alessandro Miani ,&nbsp;Prisco Piscitelli ,&nbsp;Cătălin A. Lazăr ,&nbsp;Pierluigi Barbieri ,&nbsp;Rodorico Giorgi ,&nbsp;Marco Gaspari","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2026.01.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2026.01.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Determining biological sex is pivotal for archaeological and forensic studies, providing insights into past societies, burial practices, and population demographics. Traditional methods, such as morphological analysis and DNA-based techniques, face limitations, including inconclusive results for juveniles, contamination, and genetic material degradation. Additionally, these approaches often involve significant destruction of artifacts, raising ethical concerns. Dental proteomics has emerged as a robust alternative, utilizing the stability of enamel-bound proteins, such as amelogenin isoforms (AMELx and AMELy). However, current sampling techniques are invasive, requiring substantial material removal and risking the integrity of culturally significant specimens.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This study introduces a novel, minimally invasive technique for enamel protein sampling using a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based highly viscous polymeric dispersion (HVPD). Acting as an elastic gel-like system, HVPD enables in-situ digestion and efficient extraction of proteins without compromising the tooth's structural integrity. The method was successfully applied to contemporary and archaeological samples, demonstrating effective recovery of amelogenin isoforms, reduced contamination risk, and compatibility with degraded specimens. This minimally invasive approach achieves reliable detection of all key amelogenin markers required for sex determination, matching the analytical outcome of conventional destructive protocols while preserving specimen integrity.’</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This methodology offers transformative potential for archaeology, anthropology, and forensic science, bridging scientific innovation with ethical stewardship. By preserving the physical and cultural integrity of artifacts, it addresses a critical need for sustainable research practices. Reliable biological sex determination in challenging contexts expands the scope of proteomic applications, providing new insights into past societies while safeguarding irreplaceable heritage for future generations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 79-88"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146075448","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adhesives for cultural heritage conservation: Functions, performance evaluation, and application development","authors":"Jiaojiao Liu ,&nbsp;Zhi Luo ,&nbsp;Jianghua Wei ,&nbsp;Yi Li ,&nbsp;Junchang Yang ,&nbsp;Ran Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2026.01.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2026.01.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Adhesives play a vital role in the restoration, reinforcement, and stabilization of cultural heritage, yet their use is challenged by inherent trade-offs: performance versus substrate compatibility, bonding strength versus reversibility, and durability versus environmental stability. These conflicts complicate the pursuit of both scientific rigor and sustainability in conservation. This review surveys adhesive applications across diverse heritage substrates—including stone, wood, painted artifacts, ceramics, textiles, metals, and paper—with emphasis on bonding mechanisms and key performance criteria. It reassesses traditional materials such as glutinous rice mortar and animal glue through modern analytical perspectives, and evaluates the advancement and limitations of synthetic polymers, notably acrylic and epoxy resins. Emerging technologies are examined, including nanocomposite systems for enhanced compatibility and mechanical integrity, bio-based and biomimetic adhesives for green conservation, and smart or self-healing materials addressing reversibility challenges. Recent progress in analytical techniques for characterizing ancient adhesives and understanding environmental degradation mechanisms is also reviewed. The paper concludes by identifying critical challenges and future directions, underscoring interdisciplinary innovation and sustainability as essential drivers for next-generation adhesive development aligned with conservation ethics. This framework aims to guide research toward materials that combine high performance, compatibility, and ethical compliance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 100-119"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146075498","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Non-invasive methods for characterising letterpress prints: Surface microscopy and profilometry","authors":"Iris Bautista-Morenilla ,&nbsp;Júlia María Olivera López ,&nbsp;Cristina Ruiz-Recasens ,&nbsp;Oriol Moret Viñals ,&nbsp;Lluís Casas Duocastella ,&nbsp;Gema Campo-Francés","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2026.01.013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2026.01.013","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a methodological framework for characterising letterpress prints by combining morphological analysis with three-dimensional measurements. Original prints, as well as controlled mock-ups produced in the laboratory were analysed with surface microscopy to assess ink distribution on the paper. Optical profilometry was used to quantify the reverse embossing generated in the paper by the type-form.</div><div>Results show that the various methods and materials employed for letterpress printing over time lead to differences regarding ink distribution and relief levels. These are described and presented as key identification features through which the origin of early and contemporary letterpress prints can be determined.</div><div>The paper provides visual examples of the traits that letterpress prints can show throughout history and establishes a methodological approach for their characterisation. Therefore, this research expands the range of methodologies available for the technical cataloguing of letterpress prints.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 89-99"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146075497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Portable ER-FTIR as a non-destructive method to pre-screen collagen for ZooMS analysis in archaeology","authors":"M. Di Matteo ,&nbsp;K. McGrath ,&nbsp;C. Lemorini ,&nbsp;S. Nunziante-Cesaro ,&nbsp;S. Soncin","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2026.01.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2026.01.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the last decades, archaeology has witnessed a significant increase in the use of biomolecular analyses to study a variety of materials, including skeletal elements, as they are frequently preserved in archaeological deposits and directly linked to cultural and economic dynamics of ancient human populations. Radiocarbon dating, isotopic studies, and proteomic analyses are particularly useful to explore these questions, while their success is highly dependent on the state of preservation of collagen, the most abundant component of the organic fraction of skeletal elements. Over time collagen degrades, and its preservation is often compromised in very ancient archaeological contexts or when taphonomic processes are particularly severe, which can significantly limit the feasibility of subsequent biomolecular analyses.</div><div>The aim of this study is to test whether external reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ER-FTIR) can serve as a rapid, non-destructive pre-screening tool for assessing collagen preservation prior to ZooMS analysis. To evaluate the method's effectiveness, various faunal bone fragments were selected from different archaeological contexts (e.g., rock shelters, pits in dune fields, etc.) located in the Central Sahara (SW Libya), dating to the Middle and Late Holocene (8300–3400 cal BP). The bone fragments were first subjected to ER-FTIR analysis and then to ZooMS (Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry) to compare the results and assess the presence of collagen in the samples.</div><div>Our results indicate that collagen was detected in about one-third of the samples, consistently associated with specific spectral features and further validated by ZooMS analyses. The method effectively distinguished well-preserved from poorly preserved samples while avoiding destructive sampling. This pre-screening approach reduces time and financial costs and safeguards the integrity of archaeological bones. Beyond its practical application, it also contributes to bioarchaeology and conservation science by providing a reproducible, non-destructive framework for evaluating biomolecular preservation across different sites and periods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 55-66"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146036977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chinese vernacular villages renovation: A methodology for establishing a 3D interactive database","authors":"Dan Hu ,&nbsp;Liheng Zhu ,&nbsp;Jiajia Wei","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2026.01.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2026.01.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Vernacular villages sustainable development has emerged as a crucial component of China’s rural revitalization strategy. How to integrate 3D digital technology with vernacular village renovation has become a topic worthy of in-depth exploration.</div><div>This research aims to develop a methodology for constructing a web-based visualization and comprehensive database. It is designed to synthesize traditional renovation methods with 3D digital modeling in service of vernacular village revitalization. Its specific aims include: supplying both authentic and derivative information for renovation; enabling the long-term preservation of cultural heritage; providing visualized renovation strategies; facilitating 3D visual design within an authentic context; and offering an interactive platform for user participation.</div><div>Methodologically, it derives the database requirements and content from an analysis of relevant literature and renovation cases. It critically formulates a database design methodology, building upon existing best practices, that is tailored to vernacular villages in China. It has been practiced in Muka Village as a case study, demonstrating its potential applicability to other vernacular villages.</div><div>The research resulted in a database structured into a five-level hierarchy: National/Provincial, Regional, Village, Settlement, and Building. Its content encompasses multi-level 3D models and derived data, policy documents, visualized renovation strategies, and interactive model upload/download functionalities. The process is: data collection and processing, derived data generation, data format unification, and visualization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 67-78"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146075499","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Shining a light on the degradation of triarylmethane dyes: Multi-analytical study of a faded 1880s printed cotton dress","authors":"Catarina M. Pinto ,&nbsp;David Buti ,&nbsp;Letizia Monico ,&nbsp;Aldo Romani ,&nbsp;Lucia Burgio ,&nbsp;Brenda Doherty","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2026.01.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2026.01.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examines the fading of the blue-green background in an 1885 printed cotton dress by Edmund Potter &amp; Co., in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&amp;A). Uneven fading patterns indicate differential light exposure, with protected areas retaining greater vibrancy. An in-situ analytical campaign employing portable UV–VIS–NIR spectroscopy, colorimetry, and VIS hyperspectral imaging identified dye constituents and evaluated their conservation state. Complementary micro-destructive Surface Enhanced Raman spectroscopy suggests the presence of early synthetic triarylmethane dyes. To further investigate their photo-fading behaviour, mordanted cotton mock-ups dyed with selected blue-green triarylmethane dyes commercially available at the time of the dress’s production, namely, diamond green B (C.I. 42,000, Basic Green 4, 1877), diamond green G (C.I. 42,040, Basic Green 1, 1879) and yellowish light green SF (C.I. 42,095, Acid Green 5, late 19th Century) were subjected to controlled aging and monitored. Comparative analysis with in situ data provided contextual insight into the photochemical behaviour of the dyes, highlighting differences associated with substituent type and orientation and their potential influence on observed photoproducts, including benzophenones. These findings advance the understanding of triarylmethane dye fading in important historical textiles and inform conservation strategies for museum display of such dye sensitive collections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 45-54"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146036928","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Black manganese crusts on Galician Romanesque buildings: first analytical data on characterization and cleaning","authors":"T. Rivas ,&nbsp;L. Espiño ,&nbsp;S. Pozo-Antonio ,&nbsp;C. López","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2026.01.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2026.01.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This work presents the results of the characterization of Mn-rich black crusts developed on granite in a Galician Romanesque monastery and the initial experiments aimed at their removal. Once the crusts were characterized from a chemical, mineralogical and micromorphological point of view, several <em>in situ</em> cleaning methods was performed: microabrasion, a Nd:YAG laser and chemical cleaning processes (aqua regia, EDTA, oxalic acid, gallic acid and formic acid solutions). An <em>in situ</em> analytical methodology based on optical microscopy, colour spectrophotometry, LIBS and Raman spectroscopy was applied to characterize the cleaning effectiveness and the side effects exerted in the granite underneath. Among all the methods, saturated oxalic acid proved to be the most effective, although slight calcium contamination was detected. In contrast, less effective methods such as laser cleaning and microabrasion resulted in textural alterations in the granite.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 21-34"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146036974","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dual-format indirect ELISA detection of food residues in late Roman and early medieval ceramics: Integrating antibodies and DNA aptamers for ancient protein and β-D-glucan analysis","authors":"Janez Kosel ,&nbsp;K. Patrick Fazioli ,&nbsp;Andrej Magdič ,&nbsp;Zvezdana Modrijan ,&nbsp;Jaroslav Pavelka ,&nbsp;Polonca Ropret","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2026.01.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2026.01.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Food and its associated material culture offer an important window into past social worlds, but difficulties in inferring vessel function from and the degradation of organic residues on pottery can hinder archaeological investigations of culinary practices. To overcome these limitations, we applied indirect ELISA assays using both polyclonal antibodies and synthetic aptamers to detect specific proteins and a cereal polysaccharide in ceramic sherds from two hilltop sites in north-eastern Slovenia: an early medieval settlement beneath Ptuj Castle (7th-9th centuries CE) and a Late Roman–early medieval fortified site at Ančnikovo Gradišče (4–5th, 7–10th centuries CE). Sherds bearing charred cooking residues were powder-extracted and assayed on MaxiSorp microtiter plates for six protein targets (ovalbumin, lysozyme, gluten, casein, collagen, and myosin) and for (1→3)-β-<span>d</span>-glucan target using matching primary antibodies and biotinylated DNA aptamers, with detection achieved by adding alkaline phosphatase–conjugated secondary antibodies to label primary antibody binding or alkaline phosphatase–conjugated streptavidin to label aptamer binding. At Ptuj, both formats identified egg proteins, bone collagen, myosin and gluten on individual sherds, with aptamers consistently yielding larger ΔOD margins than antibodies. At Ančnikovo Gradišče, meat residues dominated: myosin and collagen were detected on most Late Roman sherds, while sherd 402 (early medieval) uniquely registered cereal markers—gliadin and β-<span>d</span>-glucan—alongside meat and egg proteins. Casein appeared in only one Late Roman vessel. Co-occurrence of animal and plant residues implies composite dishes such as stews or porridges. Our findings demonstrate that aptamer‐based ELISAs offer enhanced sensitivity for archaeological proteins, and that protein and polysaccharide residue analysis can reconstruct nuanced dietary patterns. This approach holds promise for broad application in contexts lacking textual records. Caution should be taken when attempting to extrapolate broader patterns from this limited dataset.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 35-44"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146036889","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In situ characterization of nephrite beads from the Hongshan culture: Unveiling techniques, materials and sources","authors":"Dian Chen ,&nbsp;Guoxiang Liu ,&nbsp;Yuanqiu Li ,&nbsp;Jiangtao Liu ,&nbsp;Tingting Shi ,&nbsp;Manda Bai ,&nbsp;Yuanchi Shang ,&nbsp;Wugan Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2026.01.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2026.01.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Hongshan Culture, a Neolithic society in northeastern China, is renowned for its sophisticated jade artifacts. While past research has focused mainly on large or ceremonial jade pieces, smaller artifacts like beads have received limited systematic study. This research examines 68 nephrite beads from the Nasitai site in Inner Mongolia using in-situ, non-destructive analytical techniques, including microscopic observation, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, pXRF, and multispectral imaging, to explore craftsmanship, material properties, and provenance. The spiral-grooved notches suggest a unique Hongshan cutting technique involving hole-drilling and the use of a sand-coated rope to split the jade. Ox-nostril-shaped drill marks indicate primitive perforation methods for stringing. Spectral analysis confirmed that the beads are made of tremolite, showing minimal weathering and excellent preservation. Elemental profiling highlighted consistent Ca/Ba ratios, while distinct Mn/Fe and Ni patterns suggest the potential for distinguishing nephrite sources. This analysis indicates that the jade beads may originate from Xiuyan nephrite. Additionally, multispectral imaging further supports this provenance conclusion. This study broadens understanding of Hongshan jade sourcing and technology, demonstrating the value of non-invasive methods in artifact analysis. The findings contribute to discussions on early Chinese jade trade and craft networks, setting a foundation for future comparative studies on Neolithic jade traditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146001825","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biogeophysical impact of algal biofilms developed on granite and mortar substrates under night-time ornamental lighting","authors":"Anxo Méndez ,&nbsp;Davide Gulotta ,&nbsp;David M. Freire-Lista ,&nbsp;Patricia Sanmartín","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2026.01.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2026.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Ornamental LED lighting is commonly used to illuminate architectural heritage at night. Since phototrophs rely on light as an energy source through photosynthesis, the artificial extension of the natural photoperiod can impact microalgae and cyanobacteria dwelling on stone surfaces. These organisms form subaerial biofilms (SABs), which lead to biofouling of building materials and pose challenges for heritage conservation. For the first time, the present study looked in depth at what happens at the SAB-substrate interface when biofilm formation occurs under daylight followed by ornamental lighting. Granite (the main material in historical buildings and structures in NW Spain and many other regions of the world) and cement (the most widely used material for construction, especially in modern and contemporary architecture) have been used as test substrates, inhabited by algal biofilms mainly composed by the green algae &lt;em&gt;Bracteacoccus minor&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Stichococcus bacillaris&lt;/em&gt;. Tests were conducted after a 3-month exposure to different ornamental LED light conditions. The tested conditions comprised a photoperiod of 13 h of daylight, followed by 6 h of exposure to different ornamental LED illumination, and 5 h of darkness (imitating the photoperiod of ornamentally illuminated monuments). The ornamental LED lighting conditions tested were an innovative amber+green light (at 3000 K, with biostatic effect and under trial), two lights suitable for illuminating the urban fabric: warm white light (at 2580 K, with a yellower hue) and cool white light (at 4600 K, with bluer hue), and a reference scenario without ornamental lighting (i.e., darkness). Blank specimens without colonization were also included. Surface roughness and hardness, VIS-light spectrophotometry, static contact angle and water absorption, as well as petrographic and 3D microscopy, were used to evaluate the lighting impact on the SABs interactions with the building material substrates. The presence of SAB increased the surface hardness, water absorption time and static contact angle while reducing the surface hardness of both the granite and mortar specimens. The SAB-substrate interface exposed to amber+green light behaved similarly to the biofouled specimens without ornamental illumination, minimizing its effects in comparison to both white lights tested, which further affected those parameters. The color differences of the surface, changed by the ornamental lighting conditions, were also minimized under the amber+green light. The results suggest a lower level of SAB development under the innovative amber+green light. Petrographic microscopy of thin sections reveals differential SAB coverage across the granite surface, depending on local mineralogical differences, with biotite appearing uncolonized. In the mortar specimens, the SAB was thinner and appeared to fill the macropores. The results can inform the design of more effective ornamental lighting strategies in cities,","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"78 ","pages":"Pages 7-20"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146036976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}