Workshop on enzymes

"Enzymes and Their Targets for Conservators"
(3 day workshop)
Hal Erickson, Instructor
Atlanta Art Conservation Center
Atlanta, GA
February 23-25, 2007

Presented by Southeast Regional Conservation Association (SERCA)
with a grant from AIC

$175 for SERCA or AIC members, $250 for non-members

Register by January 10, 2007

Designed for conservators with varied backgrounds, this course does
not require prior experience with specific instrumentation or
techniques; however, it is assumed the participant has a basic
understanding of and interest in the physical and chemical nature of
archival and artifact materials.

Included in this course is a chemistry refresher module covering the
following topics:

    *   Properties and solvation of molecular and ionic materials
        including solvation shells and surfactancy

    *   Acidity and alkalinity in aqueous environments, and
        consequences for materials of biological origin

    *   Structural proteins (e.g. collagen and fibroin); catalytic
        proteins (i.e., enzymes); lipids (e.g. fats and oils);
        carbohydrates (e.g. starches, cellulose, chitin, and related
        materials); and relevant aspects of the aging of these
        biomacromolecules.

The three day workshop will focus on the safe and effective use of
enzymes to digest adhesives and related residues. After the
refresher course, topics covered will include the following:

    *   The structure and activity of enzymes (e.g. amylases,
        proteases, lipases, and chitinase)

    *   Enzymatic activity as related to pH and ionic balance

    *   Spot tests for materials to be digested

    *   Structures and vulnerabilities of adhesives and residues

    *   Treatment approach and artifact safety-choice of the
        appropriate enzyme for the target and artifact

    *   Pre-treatments that facilitate enzyme activity

    *   Solvation strategies for the removal of enzymes and
        degradation products.

A DVD containing Erickson's presentation of molecular biological
basics to NARA's 2000 Deacidification Reconsidered conference will
be available for those wishing to have a brief "pre-refresher
refresher" on the basic types of structural biomacromolecules found
in paper, textiles and adhesives.

For more information and registration contact:

    Yasuko Ogino, SERCA Treasurer
    404-733-4589
    Fax: 678-547-1453
    yasuko.ogino [at] woodruffcenter__org


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 20:29
                Distributed: Thursday, November 30, 2006
                       Message Id: cdl-20-29-018
                                  ***