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Paper-based works of art and documents of cultural importance kept in museums and libraries can show notorious signs of deterioration, including foxing stains, caused by fungal colonization. Some of the main chromophore agents of fungal origin that deteriorate paper and therefore affect paper cultural heritage both aesthetically and structurally are the group of pigments called melanins. Thus, knowledge of the diversity and features of fungal melanins and of the melanization pathways of fungi growing on paper is key to removing these pigments from paper-based works of cultural importance. This review provides an approach about the current knowledge of melanins synthesized by paper-colonizing fungi, their localization in the fungal structures, and their role in the deterioration of paper. This knowledge might contribute to developing new, effective, and sustainable strategies of restoration and conservation of historical documents and works of art based on paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Amaryllidaceae is a family of monocotyledons belonging to the order Asparagales. Some species have extensive pharmacological properties as they produce alkaloids, with antiviral and antimicrobial activity. Within this family, in the Allioideae subfamily, it’s found garlic (Allium sativum L.). Investigations have been carried out on the phytochemical compounds, both of the isolated components of their bulbs and of various formulations. The objective of the present work was to carry out a bibliographical review of investigations made in this regard, with emphasis on those referred to fungal control. M&M: The methodology used consisted of an online search and subsequent review of specialized papers. The search engines Google and Google Scholar were used. A total of 31 scientific journals, 1 web page, 6 theses, 1 final degree project and 1 conference proceedings have been consulted. These investigations date from the end of the 20th century to the present. The following search guides were used: Garlic, garlic components, and garlic as an antifungal agent. The works consulted and search sites have been synthesized in a table. Results: The investigations surveyed in this review confirm the high potential of garlic as an antimicrobial and antifungal agent, both in isolated components of the bulbs and in different formulations. A synthesis with the results obtained in recent investigations applied to prevention and fungal control is presented. Conclusions: This review contributes to the updated knowledge of the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of garlic that are related to the variety of isolated compounds produced in the plant. [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]