Enzymes

Enzymes are often used in paper conservation to aid in the removal of adhesive residues from previous repairs or to facilitate removal of poor-quality secondary backing supports and mats. Art conservators need to understand the chemistry of enzymes to select and use them appropriately. Understanding enzyme chemistry requires a basic knowledge of organic chemistry, chemical bonding, functional groups, and acids and bases. Organic Chemistry I for Dummies by Arthur Winter is a useful information source.

After completing this tutorial, you will be able to:

• Describe the chemical composition of enzymes
• Understand the difference between the primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures
• Characterize the functions of enzymes, co-enzymes, and co-factors
• State the functions of three significant types of enzymes in art conservation: amylase, lipase, and protease

 Enter tutorial.

Useful links on this topic:

• Organic Chemistry I for Dummies
• JAIC Online
• DeSantis, Pia C.; “Some observations on the use of enzymes in paper conservation”, JAIC 1983, 23 (1), 7-27.
• Fletcher, Shelley; Walsh, Judith; “The treatment of three prints by Whistler on fine Japanese tissue”, JAIC 1979, 18 (2), 119-126.
• Stulik, Dusan; Florsheim, Henry; “Binding media identification in painted ethnographic objects”, JAIC 1992, 31 (3), 275-288.