engleski

Gamma-irradiation of selected fungi on linen textile

There are large needs for systematic approach to data concerning radiation treatment of CH artefacts because of complex situation of cultural heritage (CH) objects constituting of different materials in relation to various bioburdens. The goal of this work is to address those needs by studying the radiation sensitivity of selected microrganisms commonly occurring on CH artefacts and of the model materials used in painting. A common carrier for paintings is glue-coated linen that is vulnerable to fungal biodeterioration. The study aimed to assess antifungal effect of gamma-irradiation doses and dose rates against naturally occurring mycobiota and artificially inoculated primary (Aspergillus jensenii), secondary (Cladosporium spaherospermum) and tertiary (Trichoderma harzianum) fungal colonizers common for cellulose materials like linen. The model systems were irradiated with 2, 7, 20 and 50 kGy at two dose rates that differ by two orders of magnitude, 9.0 and 90 mGy/s. After the irradiation the number of viable fungi was determined by plate count method in order to determine proper irradiation dose for eradication of a particular fungi type. Results indicated that species of Cladosporium and yeasts seem to be the most resistant fungi to gamma irradiation. In parallel, preliminary assessment of gamma radiation impact on selected physico-chemical properties of textile was determined. Cellulose is a main ingredient of base material – linen. It is known that cellulose is radiation sensitive but the sensitivity of overall material depends on various additives present. Preliminary FTIR-ATR measurements on coated linen did not indicate degradation in the dose range applied in this study. The protective effect of the glue coating cannot be excluded although is relatively difficult to assess. Further research on coated and non-coated samples, using FTIR and other complementary experimental techniques (SEM, TGA) is planned.

gamma radiation ; fungi ; textile ; cultural heritage

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