Gellan hydrogel as a powerful tool in paper cleaning process: a detailed study

Area of Science:

• Paper conservation science
• Material science

Background:

• Wet cleaning is crucial for ancient paper conservation but risks damaging original materials.
• Water-sensitive inks and pigments are particularly vulnerable to traditional washing methods.
• Cellulose degradation by-products affect paper's optical qualities and structural integrity.

Observation:

• A rigid hydrogel composed of gellan gum was developed as a gentler paper cleaning method.
• This hydrogel application aims to reduce the detrimental effects associated with aqueous treatments.
• The method is designed to be more respectful of the original paper structure.

Findings:

• Gellan gum hydrogel successfully cleaned paper samples from the 16th to 19th centuries.
• The cleaning method was assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and pH measurements.
• Effectiveness and safety of the hydrogel cleaning method were confirmed through rigorous analysis.

Implications:

• Gellan gum hydrogel presents a promising, less invasive technique for conserving historical paper artifacts.
• This method could significantly reduce risks for water-sensitive media during conservation treatments.
• Further research may expand the application of hydrogel technology in cultural heritage preservation.