Current Research

FFC

 

We are currently studying two aspects of the FFC Technology water treatment system produced by the Akatsuka Co., Ltd., Japan.  First, FFC Technology enhances plant growth and stress resistance.  In a number of experiments, using radish, Shirona (a Japanese green) and soybean plants, we have shown the FFC increases plant size and improves drought resistance.  The primary mechanism is thought to be the addition of micronutrients.  We  are also studying the ability of FFC to inhibit bacterial attachment to surfaces.  FFC inhibits Pseudomonas aeruginosa attachment to titanium alloys, which are widely used in the medical, dental, and aerospace industries.

Early Detection and Quantification of Fungal Growth on Surfaces

 

Fungi attack many heritage materials, including those composed of paper, textiles and synthetic polymers.  Fungal growth occurs when items are stored under conditions of high temperature and humidity leads to fungal deterioration.  We are currently adapting a fluorometric assay for use in early detection and quantification of fungal growth on cultural heritage materials. The method is inexpensive, rapid, easy to use, and has extremely low detection limits.

Microbiological Investigation of the Brown Spots in King Tutankhamen’s Tomb

 

The tomb of King Tutankhamen, which is more than 3000 years old, was discovered in 1922 with nearly all of its funerary contents intact. Many large brown spots are present on the walls, partially obscuring the wall paintings. Previous research on the nature and origin of these brown spots has been inconclusive. We are investigating a possible microbiological role in the formation of these brown spots.

This research is being undertaken as part of a collaboration between the Getty Conservation Institute and Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities for the conservation of the tomb.

Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences / Laboratory of Applied Microbiology