"The SYNOPYE project aims to study the occurrence, nature and physicochemical evolution of saccharide materials within painting systems. A painting is a complex dynamic system, in which several organic and inorganic materials are simultaneously present. Over time these may react and also undergo physico-chemical modifications (ageing). Bacteria and fungi can feed on organic binders based on polysaccharides. All such phenomena may alter the original appearance of a work of art and may also compromise its conservation and stability. Extensive work in cultural heritage research has focused on the analysis and identification of lipid and proteinaceous materials. In contrast much of the fundamental research is still required for the characterisation of polysaccharide binders, partly because of inadequate analytical capabilities. Building on preliminary work that has established the first method for the unequivocal quantification of sugars in paint polysaccharides, the SYNOPYE project aims at filling this gap. In particular, the specific objectives are: 1 – study the interactions between saccharide binders, proteinaceous materials and inorganic media, and how these interactions evolve with time; 2 – study the biodeterioration of saccharide paint binders; 3 – assess how these aspects modify the resulting sugar composition of a saccharide binder, in order to ensure its reliable identification in ancient paintings and polychromies. This approach will enable a new interpretative model to be developed for the reliable identification of a saccharide binder in a paint sample. Carrying out the fundamental research to increase the knowledge necessary for the efficient preservation of our painted cultural heritage will reinforce the central role that European research plays in the field , and will contribute to nourish the European request of high level scientific support for the Safeguard of Cultural Heritage"