Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain TPSB10

Name of the microorganism: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain TPSB10.

Name of the Entity that made the photo: ENEA-Department for Sustainability, Division Protection and Enhancement of the Natural Capital, Environmental Biogeochemistry Laboratory.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia TPSB10 is able to produce and depose calcite crystals on the colony (bio-calcite). The strain was isolated from the Etruscan Tomb of Mercareccia, in the Necropolis of Tarquinia (Viterbo, Italy). The ability of the strain to precipitate bio-calcite could be exploited in Cultural Heritage for bioconsolidation. Bacterial biomineralisation is a widespread phenomenon in nature and most of calcareous rocks are from organic origin. Biocalcite is a more compatible material than the synthetic consolidants in use; its production and use represent an environmentally friendly methodology for the conservation of decayed stones in artworks and monuments.