Researchers identified bacteria breaking down the ancient wood of the Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck and found that common antibacterial sprays weren't fully protecting it. They pinpointed the most destructive bacterial strain and the best conditions to stop it.
1
Brevibacterium sp. (NH.SH-B6) was the most destructive strain, producing four wood-degrading enzymes including cellulase and multiple lignin-attacking enzymes
2
The bacterium's lignin-degrading enzyme (LiP) peaked in activity at pH 7 with 10% salt and 1000 mg/L iron sulfate — conditions relevant to marine-adjacent preservation environments
3
50 mg/mL cinnamaldehyde and 0.5% isothiazolinone K100 effectively inhibited the bacteria, but incomplete spray coverage allowed bacterial regrowth
mail
Weekly plant science — one email, Saturdays.
Check your inbox to confirm — link expires in 24 hours.
Something went wrong — please try again.
Too many signup attempts from your network. Try again in an hour, or email hello@plant.news.