EVALUATION OF THE INHIBITORY EFFECT OF DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE ON FUNGAL DEGRADATED ARCHAEOLOGICAL WOOD.

Fungi play a very important role in deterioration of ancient wood antiques and therefore must not be neglected due to the increasing aesthetic value of art objects as well as the impact on health of conservators. A number of chemicals have been used for the treatment of museum artefacts. Biocides are the most effective at eradicating spores and mature organisms. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is frequently used as a solvent for anti-fungal drugs. This study was carried out to evaluate in vitro and in vivo antifungal efficacy of DMSO against Aspergillus parasiticus. In vitro, fifty percent of DMSO gave complete inhibition of the growth. Also, 25% of DMSO inhibition growth by 60%. On the other hand low concentrations of DMSO were less effective. In vivo studies, treatment with DMSO on biodeteriorated sycamore wood resulted in inhibition of fungal growth. Furthermore, the application of DMSO had no effect on the colour, structure and chemical characteristic of the wood as well as, DMSO removed extraneous wood components that easily dissolve in DMSO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]