Aislamiento, caracterización e identificación de bacterias pigmentadas que participan en procesos de biodeterioro del Compleo Arqueológico Ingapirca

Abstract

Introduction: Among the most frequent alterations of archaeological monuments we can highlight the degradation of the stone material due to its use as a source of nutrients by microorganisms, and the deterioration caused by the production and accumulation of secondary metabolites, such as organic acids. Objective: To identify pigmented bacteria that are part of the communities of microorganisms that contribute to the biodeterioration of the Ingapirca Archaeological Complex. Methodology: Observational study, in which samples obtained from the rock structure of the main monument of the Ingapirca Complex were cultured. Microbiological techniques were used to isolate and characterize these strains, and Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics to identify and classify them. Results: Bacterial isolates with diverse pigmentation, shape, and texture were obtained. Most of the strains are psychrotolerant and can dissolve minerals at low temperatures. The bacterial isolates belong to three phyla, where the most represented were the actinobacteria. Phylogenetic relationships between the isolated strains could be established.