Biodeterioration results from complex interactions between living organisms and various organic and inorganic substrates, which cause physical and chemical changes on the substrate. These changes are strongly related to the metabolic activities of living organisms. Finding a proper approach against biodeterioration is often difficult, and requires understanding the type of changes and used methods, which should be not harmful for artworks, human health and the environment. In this this article, Reliable databases such as Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science were used for information gathering. Physical, mechanical and chemical methods are used to control biodeterioration. Synthetic chemical biocides are often used, but due to their toxicity and environmental hazards, their use is now restricted. New researches focus on alternative solutions with minimal adverse effects. Plants contain natural chemical compounds such as essential oils, phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, coumarins, tannins, etc., which are commonly used as drugs, bioactive molecules and nutrients. This study aims to review existing research on the effect of plant essential oils on biodeteriogenic microorganisms of cultural heritage.

Microbial colonization of cultural heritage objects is inevitable. Microorganisms cause physical, chemical, and aesthetic alteration in valuable works of art, leading to the loss of both financial and cultural value. To prevent and control microbial colonization and their growths, physical, chemical, and biological methods are used. However, physicochemical methods are often ineffective on treated works of art, and can be dangerous for people involved in the conservation process. Due to inherent characteristics, chemical compounds and biocides, they are hazardous for humans, animals, and the environment. Given the significant weaknesses of these conventional methods, new approaches are continuously being developed to reduce the negative impact of deteriogenic microorganisms. These new approaches are environmentally friendly, safe, low-cost and low-risk. However, more research is needed to monitor the safety and effectiveness of these approaches. The lack of simple, reliable and standard measurements remains a limitation in the selection of
effective treatments. Field experiments are necessary and useful for evaluating the effectiveness of these methods: however, their design and implementation face several challenges. Therefore, researchers are seeking to develop methods to investigate how these new approaches work. Laboratory model systems are tools for testing the efficacy of antimicrobial compounds before field application on art works. In this study, we will first review the types of biological control methods, and then introduce the new and environmentally friendly approaches, that have been developed in this field. Finally, we will discuss methods of testing the effectiveness of new strategies using laboratory model systems.