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Fungal and bacterial bioaerosols have the potential to induce biodeterioration in books and archival materials stored within libraries through their metabolic processes. The progression of these processes is dependent on microclimatic factors, including relative humidity and temperature. At the national level, research on biodeterioration in libraries and investigations into bioaerosols in indoor environments have been limited. These topics are of great significance as they have an impact on both public health and book preservation. This study aims to determine the microbial load within the indoor air of the library situated on the campus of Universidad Militar Nueva Granada in Cajicá, Colombia. Simultaneously, it seeks to investigate the microclimatic conditions of this environment. We used a MAS-100 Eco air sampler with an airflow rate of 100 L/min for a duration of 2.5 minutes. Nutrient agar and rose Bengal were employed as culture media. The samples were incubated for 8 days, and colony counting was performed on Petri dishes. For fungal identification, we used lactophenol blue staining, and Gram staining was employed for bacterial classification. Microclimatic conditions were continuously monitored using a data logger equipped with a USB connection. The results revealed microbial loads ranging from 220 to 921 CFU/m³, with temperatures fluctuating between 18.2 and 18.6°C, and relative humidity levels within the range of 60.8% to 64.7%. The identification of fungal genera, including Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium, as well as both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, was successfully achieved. An interesting observation emerged, indicating a corresponding increase in the concentration of fungal aerosols as relative humidity levels rose. In conclusion, this study emphasizes that microclimatic conditions, especially relative humidity, may increase the risk of biodeterioration within the library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three specimens of Heterobostrychus aequalis were collected in Madrid from a decorative box manufactured in Toledo. It warns of the dispersal capacity of this species and the risk to cultural heritage that its establishment in our latitudes may entail. It is necessary to articulate detection and identification systems for this type of species, as well as to spread the reports made among the personnel of museums, research centers and other public institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bellas Artes is the property of Universidad de La Laguna and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Archaeological Complex of Chan Chan is made up of various pre-Hispanic structures whose monumental architecture has clay as its raw material; one of them is the Nik An (Tschudi) palace. The study was carried out between 2014 and 2017; it was based on botanical collection and direct field observations of both flora and deterioration. Twelve species distributed in 11 families and 12 genera were recorded, of them 2 cryptogams (2 lichen species) and 10 phanerogams (5 herbs, 1 suffrutice, 1 subshrub, 2 shrubs and 1 tree). The taxa are found inside the architectural complex at the base, on the walls, roads and passageways, causing two types of effects on the substrate: biogeophysical (mechanical) and biogeochemical; as well as potential biodeterioration agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to evaluate the biodeterioration of the archaeological collections of the Tumbas Reales de Sipán museum warehouses in Lambayeque. The surface of 24 textiles and 30 bones with physical alterations in four warehouses was sown and planted on agar, at 30° C in aerobiosis for up to 10 days. 100 % of textiles presented alterations in texture, coloration, and integrity and 45.8 % at the edges. Bacteria were quantified with an average of 4.9 x 104 CFUm-2 in textiles and 1.4x105 CFUm-2 in bones. Fungi were quantified with an average of 7.1x103 CFUm-2 in textiles and 5.2x103 CFUm-2 in bones. The genera Bacillus, Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Streptomyces were identified in textiles and bones. In textiles, the genera Aspergillus, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Chrysosporium, Geotrichum, Gliocladium, Penicillium, Rhizopus, and Scopulariopsis were identified. In skeletons Aspergillus, Alternaria, Curvularia, Cercospora, Cladosporium, among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad is the property of Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Instituto de Biologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Fungi in institutions of heritage interest are a serious problem for the conservation of collections. In research related to this subject, the contaminating mycobiota has been studied from a quantitative and qualitative point of view. Only a few studies of physiological characterization of fungal pests in archives and museums have been performed. The aim was to evaluate biodeteriogenic and pathogenic potential in strains of environmental fungi corresponding to taxa frequently isolated in Cuban heritage institutions. The cellulolytic, amylolytic and proteolytic activity of the strains was determined semi-quantitatively; as well as the production of organic acids and pigments. The ability to grow at 37 °C was evaluated, in addition to the secretion of exoenzymes hemolysins and phospholipases. All evaluated strains showed at least one biodeteriorating attribute, while 92 % showed pathogenic attributes. In relation to the above, the most dangerous strains are those belonging to the genus Aspergillus and Penicillium including the species: Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. phoenicis, Penicillium citrinum and P. janczewskii. These studies provide valuable information about the characteristics of the environmental mycobiota of these ecosystems, facilitate the development of preventive conservation plans for collections, help to clarify the phenomenology of biodeterioration of materials and contribute to the prevention of occupational diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the biodeterioration caused by lichens growing on lithic archaeological artifacts from La Primavera was analyzed. The methodology includes observation techniques of low and high magnifications and EDAX analysis. The lichens present were identified and the surfaces of the lithic artifacts where they grow were observed. We identified and analyzed the diversity of species present and recognized four types of bioalterations (micropitting, superficial weathering, internal micro-fractures and superficial micro-fractures). Among the identified morphotypes, which apparently causes the most damage is the crustose endolithic, followed by foliose. The bioalterations registered hinder the observation of the main technological characteristics as well as specific studies on the functionality of the artifacts, what in turn results in information loss. Knowing more in detail how these bioalterations affect the lithic materials is relevant for the archaeological interpretations. Therefore, this work is an important contribution to the study of biodeterioration in lithic artifacts that has not been the subject of specific investigations before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Fungi are the main biological agents that cause biodeterioration in heritage documents. Fungal colonization is favored by high values of relative humidity and temperature in tropical climates. Products used in their control are composed of chemicals with harmful effects on people and accelerate the deterioration of materials. Today we continue to search for alternatives such as the rational use of natural products from plants. PURPOSE: Evaluate the antifungal activity of anise and lemongrass essential oils against four fungal strains isolated from indoor air of repositories of the National Archives of Cuba. METHODOLOGY: The hole-plate diffusion in agar plate method was used. As controls thymol 5% and benzalkonium chloride 10% were used. RESULTS: Both essential oils showed positive antifungal activity against all strains at the concentration of 50%, except in Aspergillus flavus in the first case and Aspergillus niger for the last. The activity of both oils was negative 10% for all strains except the essential oil of lemongrass against Penicillium aurantiogriseum, also affectation was observed in the conidiogenesis the genus Aspergillus. CONCLUSIONS: The results were similar between the studied oils and thymol 5%, being superior than the benzalkonium chloride 10%; besides, affectation in the conidiogenesis of genus Aspergillus was observed, which restricts pollution of documents and staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of the genus Aspergillus Link cause damage to objects constructive, cultural and heritage value. In work environments, their propagules and metabolites may cause disorders to human health. Aerobiological studies can help minimize the impact of Aspergillus spp. in the biodeterioration and quality of life. Aspergillus spp. strains present in the air of the repositories in three Cuban heritage institutions were characterized according to their biodeteriogenic and pathogenic potential. Each isolated was classified taxonomically, cellulolytic, amylolytic and proteolytic activity as well as excretion of pigments and organic acids was evaluated. The capacity to grow at 37°C and secrete hemolysins was qualitatively evaluated. Aspergillus spp. was significant portion of viable air micobiota in the three repositories with 22 species corresponding to 12 sections, most variability were Flavi and Restricti, while the first section and Aspergillus were the best represented. The 74% of the strains showed high ability to degrade organic compounds evaluated and secrete acids, while 34% excreted pigments from yellow to dark brown, evidenced a broad biodeteriogenic potential in general. More than 30% of the isolates were shown to be dangerous opportunistic pathogens for humans to grow at 37°C, secrete hemolysin, and present a conidial size which enables the deposition pulmonary alveoli. Strains higher biodeteriogenic and pathogenic impact were those corresponding to the Flavi, Nigri sections and the species Aspergillus fumigatus Fresen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper documents are susceptible to deterioration caused by microorganisms. In tropical countries predominates fungal colonization, favored by high humidity and temperature values. Currently, the products used in their control are chemicals which cause damage to human health, the support and the environment. For these reasons the researchers will evaluate new less harmful and organic products, among which are those of vegetable origin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of the clove essential oil (EO) against three fungal strains prevailing on environmental isolates of deposits and damaged documents from the National Archive of the Republic of Cuba; and the effect on paper. By observing through Scanning Electron Microscope, determination of pH, copper index and stains before and after accelerated aging, the effect of this product on the paper was studied. It is noted that clove EO exhibits fungicidal activity until the concentration of 25% (v/v), besides affecting fungal sporulation. At this concentration, the product didn't cause important damages on the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface degradation in outdoor wood and products is due to a combination of inherent climate factors together with colonization of decay organisms. From a technical and economic standpoint it is one of the main problems for the industry of products and materials made from wood. The aim of this work is to track the surface degradation of Corymbia citriodora and Eucalyptus tereticornis timbers originating from fast-growing plantations in Brazil, which have been exposed to outdoor weathering tests in three different environmental conditions. Changes in the material were monitoring using color measurement (CIEL*a*b* method), in cycles of 45 days up to a period of 360 days of exposure. The results showed that timber exposed to a forest ecosystem was less affected by environmental factors; this is probably due to climate insulation provided by these ecosystems. Besides, it was observed that samples of Corymbia citriodora had higher resistance to degradation compared with samples of Eucalyptus tereticornis, possibly due to differences in its chemical constitution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring of the environmental fungal load and other bioaerosols in a deposit of mummified remains of the NOA of the Museum of la Plata (Argentina): a case study. The aim of this work was to carry out a survey on the airborne fungal charge and other bioaerosols associated with a repository of mummified legacy from the Argentinian North West from the La Plata Museum. Two types of monitoring were performed: i) a viable and non viable aerobiological sampling in the exterior air of the repository, in the indoor air within the same and inside 3 cabinets containing human remains; and ii) a study and culture of the micobiota associated to the surface of materials with evident signs of biodeterioration. Based on the aerobiological sampling, the greatest diversity and spore concentration was registered in the outside environment, being Cladosporium cladosporioides, Alternaria sp. and Penicillium sp. the most representative taxa. Either inside the repository of the 3 cabinets, showed a particular fungal charge, the presence of Penicillium sp., Cladosporium sp. and Aspergillus sp. was characteristic. The analysis of contact samples makes evident the presence of Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium frequentans and Talaromyces helicus. The knowledge of fungal microorganisms present in indoor environments is essential for heritage conservation and human health subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodeterioration processes affecting industrial systems of different productive sectors (petroleum, paper, energy, etc.), biomaterials and cultural heritage of each nation. The main agents involved in the biodeterioration of documentary heritage are microorganisms and insects which use the paper as a nutrient source and with inadequate environmental conditions accelerate the deterioration of the different documentary supports even to attract pests. The biocides are used in pest control. Generally they are expensive chemicals, have harmful effects on people who use them, on the environment and accelerate the deterioration of the materials used. Hence the choice of a biocidal product is increasingly difficult because it must meet strict control requirements. However, the search for alternatives such as the rational use of natural products from plants can have a positive impact in solving these problems. The aim of this work is to make a dissertation on biocides, its concept, the different types and the importance of natural products from plant as biocides to control biodeterioration by microorganisms and insects, as well as prospects and the impact they may have on their application on documental heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Universitaria is the property of Universidad de Guanajuato/Acta Universitaria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Luna Azul is the property of Universidad de Caldas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Fungal spores are considered environmental components of closed spaces and many of them are responsible of biodeterioration of books and audiovisual material. For Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (UPTC) is very important the conservation of its cultural assets of the historical archive. For this reason, in this work we identified even genres communities of fungi present in the environment and in documents. The methodology that we used to detect spores was the sedimentation in plaque with potato dextrose Agar, in order to obtain a qualitative estimation of the presence of fungi in environments. We also made the scraping of the affected books. Temperature and relative humidity were determined for each sample. The fungus Penicillium sp. (46.1%) was the most frequently isolated genus of sampling sites marked as A and B, and of the sampled books. Other isolated genera were Mucor sp. (16.9 %), Aspergillus sp. (10.8%) and Chaetomiun sp. (7.7%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Biotecnología is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales is the property of Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicas y Naturales and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The objectives of the study were to determine the microbial concentration in the air at two repositories of the National Archive of Cuba, perform the physiological characterization of the fungi isolated and briefly describe the pathogenic characteristics of the microorganisms isolated. Petri plates exposed according to Omealiansky's methodology were used for the isolation. The cellulolytic activity and acid and pigment production in fungi were evaluated by means of a saline culture medium, using as carbon sources a filter paper strip, crystalline cellulose and glucose (control). Elevated microbial concentrations were obtained in both places, and particularly, the levels of bacteria were significantly high. Aspergillus genus prevailed at the photographic library, while Cladosporium was the predominant one at repository 11. A. fumigatus and A. flavus species were the most frequent within Aspergillus genus in both repositories. Most of the fungi isolated degraded cellulose and produced pigments and acids. It was evidenced that the fungi isolated are able to produce diseases in persons. Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, Bacillus and Streptomyces genera were isolated within Gram positive bacteria while Serratia, Enterobacter and Hafnia were found among Gram negative bacteria. Of them, Hafnia may pose a significant risk for the health of the staff. Though most of the bacterial genera isolated may affect the health of the staff, only Bacillus and Streptomyces can attack paper under elevated humidity conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]