Nanotechnologies and nanosensors: Future applications for the conservation of cultural heritage

The most recent possibilities offered by nanotechnology for the conservation of historical and artistic objects and the control of the microclimate in which they are stored are summarized in this paper. Particular attention is paid to nanosensors, which are able to monitor relevant parameters for the durability of an artwork, such as temperature, relative humidity and pollutants. Furthermore, concerning the potential of nanostructured materials for stone conservation, a concise description of a new restoration treatment for silicate stones based on the application of perfluorinated nanodispersions, recently developed in our research group, is described in comparison with a TEOS treatment.