Evaluating the xerophilic potential of moulds on selected egg tempera paints on glass and wooden supports using fluorescent microscopy

Kosel, Janez; Kavčič, Maša; Legan, Lea; Retko, Klara; Ropret, Polonca

doi:10.1016/j.culher.2021.09.001

Cited by 9 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 83 publications

(78 reference statements)

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“…Therefore, the environmental conditions, such as the rate of relative humidity (70-75%) and the low temperature (16-18 • C) established in the Museodivino may have determined and promoted the development of biodeterioration fungal strain. Kosel and co-workers [46] established that relative humidity was the key factor limiting the growth of different fungal biodeteriorating strains on wooden support, in which the fungal growth positively correlated to the relative humidity increasing (from 55 to 74%). Piñar et al [47] reported that temperatures between 18 and 20 • C and humidity of 50-60% are recommended for the effective preservation of documents.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fungal Biodeterioration and Preservation of Miniature Artworks

Ventorino,

La Storia,

Robertiello

et al. 2023

JoF

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The study of biodeterioration is an important issue to allow the best conservation and prevent the decay of cultural heritage and artworks. In Naples (Italy), a particular museum (Museodivino) preserves the miniature artworks representing Dante’s Divine Comedy and Nativity scenes, executed with organic-based materials in walnut and clay shells. Since they showed putative signs of biodeterioration, the first aim of this study was to verify the presence of microbial colonization. A culture-dependent approach and molecular biology allowed us to isolate and identify the sole fungal strain Aspergillus NCCD (Nativity and Dante’s Divine Comedy) belonging to the A. sydowii sub-clade. Based on this result, a sustainable and eco-friendly approach was applied to find a method to preserve the miniature artwork by contrasting the growth of the strain NCCD. Several essential oils used as a natural biocide were tested against Aspergillus strain NCCD belonging to the A. sydowii subclade to determine their potential antimicrobial activity. Results revealed that basil, cloves, fennel, and thyme essential oils exerted antifungal activity, although their effect depended also on the concentration used. Moreover, anoxic treatment and the control of the relative humidity were used in the presence of thyme, in vitro, and in vivo assays to define the impact on fungal growth. No fungal development was detected in vivo in the shells treated with thyme essential oil at high relative humidity after 60 days of incubation at 28 °C. These results highlighted that although relative humidity was the major factor affecting the development of the strain Aspergillus NDDC, the application of thyme in an anaerobic environment is essential in contrasting the fungal growth. Identifying the biodeterioration agent allowed us to plan an eco-friendly, non-destructive approach to be successfully used to guarantee the conditions suitable for conserving miniature artwork.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fungal Biodeterioration and Preservation of Miniature Artworks

Ventorino,

La Storia,

Robertiello

et al. 2023

JoF

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“…Indeed, if left unchecked, global warming may ultimately impair the habitability of Earth's surface [93]. The ecology of E. halophilicum is complex in as much as-like other fungal xerophiles-this species is commonly found on dry surfaces in nature and surfaces of artifacts and dust particles [50,65,[94][95][96]. Global climate change is causing various perturbations at the regional scale, at some places/times causing drought and at others causing floods.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biophysical Manipulation of the Extracellular Environment by Eurotium halophilicum

Micheluz

Pinzari²,

Rivera-Valentín³

et al. 2022

Pathogens

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Eurotium halophilicum is psychrotolerant, halophilic, and one of the most-extreme xerophiles in Earth’s biosphere. We already know that this ascomycete grows close to 0 °C, at high NaCl, and—under some conditions—down to 0.651 water-activity. However, there is a paucity of information about how it achieves this extreme stress tolerance given the dynamic water regimes of the surface habitats on which it commonly occurs. Here, against the backdrop of global climate change, we investigated the biophysical interactions of E. halophilicum with its extracellular environment using samples taken from the surfaces of library books. The specific aims were to examine its morphology and extracellular environment (using scanning electron microscopy for visualisation and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry to identify chemical elements) and investigate interactions with water, ions, and minerals (including analyses of temperature and relative humidity conditions and determinations of salt deliquescence and water activity of extracellular brine). We observed crystals identified as eugsterite (Na4Ca(SO4)3·2H2O) and mirabilite (Na2SO4·10H2O) embedded within extracellular polymeric substances and provide evidence that E. halophilicum uses salt deliquescence to maintain conditions consistent with its water-activity window for growth. In addition, it utilizes a covering of hair-like microfilaments that likely absorb water and maintain a layer of humid air adjacent to the hyphae. We believe that, along with compatible solutes used for osmotic adjustment, these adaptations allow the fungus to maintain hydration in both space and time. We discuss these findings in relation to the conservation of books and other artifacts within the built environment, spoilage of foods and feeds, the ecology of E. halophilicum in natural habitats, and the current episode of climate change.

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“…Both gelatin and paper serve as the primary energy source sustaining biofilm metabolisms; biofilms actively dissolve gelatin and induce chemical alterations in the silver particles within the emulsion, thus causing gradual photograph dissolution. Both bacterial and fungal communities are responsible for attacking photographs, with the former being particularly destructive [9,10]. Recent research has highlighted the compartmentalization of different species within biofilms, each occupying separate niches [11].…”

Section: Biodeterioration Of Modern Artworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deterioration-associated microbiome of a modern photographic artwork: the case of Skull and Crossbones by Robert Mapplethorpe

Petraretti,

De Natale,

Del Mondo

et al. 2024

Herit Sci

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The preservation of cultural heritage, including ancient photographic materials, is of paramount importance in the field of conservation science. In this context, the microbial diversity of ‘Skull and Crossbones’, a 1983 photograph by Robert Mapplethorpe printed on silver gelatine, was assessed. We employed both culture-dependent and culture-independent methods to characterize microbial communities inhabiting this artwork. Vibrational Raman micro spectroscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy were utilized to assess the chemical degradation condition and characterize the chemical components of the silver gelatin print. The combination of molecular sequencing methods (Sanger and HTS approach) and non-invasive vibrational spectroscopy yielded valuable insights into the microbial communities thriving on photographic material and the chemical degradation of the print. Isolated fungal strains were added to the Fungal Collection at the University of Naples Federico II, and their deteriorative potential was investigated by adding substrates, commonly used in canvas photographs to the culture media. These results establish a link between microbial communities colonizing ancient photographic materials, paper decomposition, and the enzymatic patterns of the retrieved microorganisms. This information is invaluable for understanding and addressing biodeterioration progression on valuable works of art, such as historical photographs, which remain understudied.

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Evaluating the xerophilic potential of moulds on selected egg tempera paints on glass and wooden supports using fluorescent microscopy

Cited by 9 publications

References 83 publications

Fungal Biodeterioration and Preservation of Miniature Artworks

Fungal Biodeterioration and Preservation of Miniature Artworks

Biophysical Manipulation of the Extracellular Environment by Eurotium halophilicum

Deterioration-associated microbiome of a modern photographic artwork: the case of Skull and Crossbones by Robert Mapplethorpe

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