Cores4n s.r.l. is able to carry out part of the diagnostics on its own. Our laboratory is equipped with a Polar Nikon Eclipse E50i Pol microscope equipped with an image acquisition system (Nikon camera) and ISOMET LSS mitre saw. For the analysis in situ and in progress, it has adequate portable instrumentation that allows the observation of surfaces, the collection of images in high-magnification digital microscopy, both in reflected white light and in UV. Additional portable instrumentation available consists of a Flir thermal imaging camera, fiber optic endoscope, UV lamps, salinometers, hygrometers and various digital photographic equipment.
Laboratory tests
Laboratory tests
Microscopic observations of plaster samples
Surfaces’ surveys in digital microscopy
Characterization of the biofilm present on the intervention materials
Normally the formation of biofilm on stone surfaces begins with bacteria and phototrophic microorganisms (algae, cyanobacteria) considered pioneer organisms on whose metabolites, exploited as a carbon source, heterotrophic microorganisms settle thus giving rise to the development of the biofilm whose composition is very complex and articulated. The characterization takes place through optical microscopy techniques for a preliminary identification of the samples and in SEM scanning electron microscopy. Any further investigations, if necessary, can be performed with the aid of different molecular biology techniques.
MIA3 sampling point and observation of the surface in digital microscopy before treatments
Sample | Description | Fig | Analytic plan |
---|---|---|---|
MIA2 | stone material fragment with brown-black surface patina | cell | SL |
MIA3 | stone material fragment with brown-black surface patina | cell | SS, SS-EP |
Tab 1 – Legend: SL= optical microscope observation of shiny sections; SS = observation of thin sections under an optical microscope in polarized light; SS-EP=Â optical microscope observation of thin sections with episcopic illumination
Tests
Example of verification carried out during a bio-cleaning operation with desulfating bacteria.