A Novel Comparative Review between Chemical, Natural Essential Oils and Physical (Ozone) Conservation of Archaeological Objects against Microbial Deterioration

Fungi play a critical role in the deterioration of ancient papyri due to their organic and hygroscopic nature. Fourteen fungal species belonging to five genera-Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Talaromyces, and Ulocladium-were isolated and identified from 20 Egyptian papyrus artifacts located at the Grand Egyptian Museum-Conservation Center (GEM-CC). The biodeterioration mechanism was evaluated by two analyses: cellulase enzyme activity and acid production assay. The isolated fungus P. lanosum showed potent biodeterioration power as it exhibited the highest enzymatic activity and could produce acid as well. Four different analyses were performed to assess the entity of the biodeterioration phenomenon: scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, colorimetry, and pH measurements. The analyses demonstrated considerable changes in surface morphology, chemical structure (mainly represented by oxidation and hydrolysis of infected papyrus samples), darkness of the papyrus samples (ΔE 3.84-7.33), and pH (which dropped to 5.2 in the case of A. niger-infected sample. This article builds a preliminary perception for monitoring the biodeterioration of archaeological papyri and a trial for in vitro treatment to prevent further degradation, which may lead to loss of our valuable artifacts over a prolonged period.

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“…The components of EOs can be utilized for both short‐ and long‐term protection. Thus, they can be used in long‐term preservation (Geweely, 2022).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mold‐deteriorated archaeological Egyptian papyri: Biodeteriogens, monitoring the deterioration, and treatment approach

Saada

Othman²,

Khaleil

2022

Archaeometry

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“…Xerophilic fungi including Aspergillus penicillioides , Eurotium repens , E. rubrum , Penicillium roqueforti , and Wallemia sebi grow faster under acidic conditions (Gock et al 2003 ). During the post-excavation storage and repair phases, waterlogged archaeological objects is at a significant risk of biological destruction (Geweely 2022 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Novel eco-friendly [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a]isoquinoline chalcone derivatives efficiency against fungal deterioration of ancient Egyptian mummy cartonnage, Egypt

et al. 2023

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Fungal deterioration is one of the major factors that significantly contribute to mummy cartonnage damage. Isolation and molecular identification of thirteen fungal species contributing to the deterioration of ancient Egyptian mummy cartonnage located in El-Lahun regions, Fayoum government, Egypt was performed. The most dominant deteriorated fungal species are Aspergillus flavus (25.70%), Aspergillus terreus (16.76%), followed by A. niger (13.97%). A newly synthesized series of tetrahydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a]isoquinoline chalcone derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antifungal activities in vitro against the isolated deteriorated fungal species (Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. terreus, Athelia bombacina, Aureobasidium iranianum, Byssochlamys spectabilis, Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. ramotenellum, Penicillium crustosum, P. polonicum, Talaromyces atroroseus, T. minioluteus and T. purpureogenus). The most efficient chalcone derivatives are new chalcone derivative numbers 9 with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 1 to 3 mg/mL followed by chalcone derivatives number 5 with MIC ranging from 1 to 4 mg/mL.

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“…It is possible to lower the populations of potentially pathogenic heterotrophic bacteria that produce acid by installing air-purifying systems in exhibition rooms, such as photocatalytic ionizers and microclimate-controlled settings, which are increased by a variety of anthropogenic activities. The conservation of ancient artifacts against microbial decay faces several difficulties, so every effort should be taken to preserve historic materials and transmit them to future generations ( Geweely, 2022 ). The effectiveness of new technologies and practices should be enriched to develop the environment for both people and cultural heritage items ( Katsivelal et al, 2021 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

New frontiers review of some recent conservation techniques of organic and inorganic archaeological artefacts against microbial deterioration

Geweely

2023

Front. Microbiol.

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The information on the advances and technology of some recent conservation methods (2020–2023) of organic and inorganic archaeological objects against microbial deterioration is recorded. An outline of comparative new protective methods for conserving plant-origin organic artefacts {Fibers (manuscripts, textile) and wood}, animal-origin organic artefacts (painting, parchment and mummies) and inorganic stone artefacts were investigated. The work not only contributes to the development of safe revolutionary ways for more efficient safe conservation of items of historical and cultural worth but also serves as a significant diagnostic signature for detecting the sorts of microbial identification and incidents in antiques. Biological technologies (environmentally friendly green biocides) are the most used recent, efficient and safe strategy acceptable as alternatives to stop microbial deterioration and prevent any potential interactions between the biological agent and the artefacts. Also, a synergistic effect of combining natural biocides with mechanical cleaning or chemical treatments was suggested. The recommended exploration techniques should be considered for future applications.

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A Novel Comparative Review between Chemical, Natural Essential Oils and Physical (Ozone) Conservation of Archaeological Objects against Microbial Deterioration

Cited by 14 publications

References 92 publications

Mold‐deteriorated archaeological Egyptian papyri: Biodeteriogens, monitoring the deterioration, and treatment approach

Mold‐deteriorated archaeological Egyptian papyri: Biodeteriogens, monitoring the deterioration, and treatment approach

Novel eco-friendly [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a]isoquinoline chalcone derivatives efficiency against fungal deterioration of ancient Egyptian mummy cartonnage, Egypt

New frontiers review of some recent conservation techniques of organic and inorganic archaeological artefacts against microbial deterioration

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