The Role of Fungi in Biodeterioration of Cultural Heritage: New Insights for Their Control

• Format: eBook
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute 2023
• Subjects: Biology, life sciences; Microbiology (non-medical); Research & information: general; aerobiology; airborne fungi; antifungal; antimicrobial technology; Aspergillus; benzalkonium chloride resistance; Bi; biodegradation; biodeterioration; biodeterioration control; black fungi; control; Cu; cultural heritage; entomopathogenic fungi; essential oils; ex situ collection; Exophiala; frescoes deterioration; FTIR; fungal acid production; fungal community; fungal diversity; fungal ecology; fungi; galvanic cells; GALVI technology; glass corrosion; halophilic fungi; hypogean conservation; identification; inhibitory effects; Knufia; light transmission; marble XRD; materials; MCF; MIP investigations; monuments salt weathering; mural paintings biodeterioration; n/a; optical instruments; Parengyodontium; Penicillium; QAC biocides; Salinomyces thailandicus; Serpula lacrymans; stone cultural heritage; subterranean cultural heritage deterioration; two-phase media; wall paintings conservation; wood; Zn
• Online Access: Open Access: DOAB: description of the publication; Open Access: DOAB, download the publication

 This reprint focuses on fungi as they are considered one of the most harmful organisms, endangering the conservation of historical and artistic heritage worldwide. Fungi are a large group of organisms occupying many ecological niches, even those considered extreme, due to their ability to cope with many environmental factors and to feed on all organic materials, even those considered toxic. For these reasons, the conservation of artefacts of historical or artistic value must consider information on fungal diversity, ecology, and the methods of controlling or limiting their destructive action. Biocides have been used for decades as the method of choice to stop or mitigate fungal spreading when preventive measures fail. Recently, more attention has been paid to alternative control methods that are more respectful of the operator and the environment. Due to the wide range of materials used throughout history, and the microclimatic conditions to which they are subjected worldwide, more efforts are needed to cover this knowledge gap and set more sustainable protocols.