Wood preservation encompasses the methods and treatments used to protect harvested wood from decay, insect damage, and environmental degradation, thereby extending its usable lifespan. For plant scientists, understanding wood preservation is closely tied to studying the natural chemical and structural defenses of woody plant tissues, such as lignin composition, heartwood formation, and secondary metabolites that confer inherent decay resistance. This research also informs sustainable forestry practices and helps identify plant traits that could reduce reliance on chemical preservatives.
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.
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Brevibacterium sp. (NH.SH-B6) was the most destructive strain, producing four wood-degrading enzymes including cellulase and multiple lignin-attacking enzymes
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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
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50 mg/mL cinnamaldehyde and 0.5% isothiazolinone K100 effectively inhibited the bacteria, but incomplete spray coverage allowed bacterial regrowth
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