Evaluation and Identification of Paper-destructive Micromycetes and Paper Resistance

Historical and cultural documents housed in museums and libraries under inappropriate conditions are vulnerable to fungal contamination.Among the fungi posing a threat to these valuable collections, micromycetes can be noted.Molecular methods offer a means to identify these fungal contaminants, thus protecting these deposits.Antifungal disinfectants can avoid fungal growth on such a paper substrate.The aim of the present study was to detect micromycete fungal contamination in paper samples and the air within library book depositories.The findings led to the identification of 24 micromycetes using biochemical tests.Sterile 50×50 mm filter papers were inoculated with fungal spores, whereupon the fungi used the paper as the only source of carbon and energy.Micromycete growth activity on paper was determined using silica gel saturated with water.The quantification of living cells present on the paper surface was determined using intracellular ATP levels.In addition, the antifungal activity of Sanatex Universal and Rocima was measured as a solution for the problem of fungal paper deterioration.The antifungal activity of these two biocides was determined using the disk diffusion method.A total of 24 micromycetes strains indicating cellulase activity were selected.The results showed that micromycetes grew on paper, utilizing it as the only source of carbon and energy.Ten most active micromycetes were selected based on the fungal activity growth, fouling area, cellulase activity, and the amount of ATP formed during growth.These micromycetes could be used as paper and cardboard fungal resistance standard test cultures.This study revealed the two fungicidal compounds of Sanatex Universal and Rocima may be used to treat cultural heritage sites affected by cellulose-destroying fungi.A comparative analysis of 24 standardized reference strains of micromycetes revealed their ability to develop on paper and utilize it as their sole carbon and energy source.