Abdul Salam, R., Elserogy, A., Abdel Aal, S., Korany, M. (2024). The Impact of Enzymes on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Paint Layers in Historical Oil Paintings: An Experimental Study. Advanced Research in Conservation Science, 5(2), 38-53. doi: 10.21608/arcs.2024.334715.1053
Rasha Abdul Salam; Abdelrahman Mohamed Elserogy; Shaaban Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel Aal; Mahmoud Sayed Korany. "The Impact of Enzymes on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Paint Layers in Historical Oil Paintings: An Experimental Study". Advanced Research in Conservation Science, 5, 2, 2024, 38-53. doi: 10.21608/arcs.2024.334715.1053
Abdul Salam, R., Elserogy, A., Abdel Aal, S., Korany, M. (2024). 'The Impact of Enzymes on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Paint Layers in Historical Oil Paintings: An Experimental Study', Advanced Research in Conservation Science, 5(2), pp. 38-53. doi: 10.21608/arcs.2024.334715.1053
Abdul Salam, R., Elserogy, A., Abdel Aal, S., Korany, M. The Impact of Enzymes on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Paint Layers in Historical Oil Paintings: An Experimental Study. Advanced Research in Conservation Science, 2024; 5(2): 38-53. doi: 10.21608/arcs.2024.334715.1053
The Impact of Enzymes on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Paint Layers in Historical Oil Paintings: An Experimental Study
1Conservation Department, Faculty of Archaeology, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt.
2Conservation Department, Faculty of Archaeology, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt.
3Conservation Department, Faculty of Archaeology, Luxor University, Luxor, Egypt.
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of lipase and protease enzymes in removing soot stains from the paint layers of historical oil paintings while minimizing changes to color and chemical composition. Using experimental mock-ups based on a historical oil painting from Fatima Ismail Palace, varying concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5%) of each enzyme was applied. The results were evaluated using scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDX), colorimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The SEM analysis revealed that higher concentrations of both enzymes achieved greater stain removal. Colorimetric analysis indicated that 3% concentrations of both lipase and protease provided optimal cleaning with minimal color alteration, while higher concentrations led to increased color changes. FTIR analysis showed that the enzymes, particularly at 3% and 5%, altered specific chemical bonds associated with the soot stains. Overall, the study demonstrates the potential of lipase and protease enzymes in controlled cleaning of oil paintings, suggesting that 5% concentrations are most effective for removing stains while preserving the original paint layer's integrity.
Highlights
• A 5% concentration of enzymes effectively removes surface contaminants without altering paint layers.
• FTIR analysis shows minimal chemical interaction at optimal enzyme concentration levels.
• Enzyme-based cleaning presents a safer alternative to traditional mechanical cleaning methods.
• The proposed enzyme concentrations can be adapted for conservation practices across diverse painting media.
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