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Pan L, Ding C, Deng Y, Chen H, Yang H, Wang B, Zhou Y, Wang B. Microbial degradation mechanism of historical silk revealed by proteomics and metabolomics. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:5380-5389. [PMID: 37812415 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01033c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Archaeological silk undergoes destructive and irreversible changes during the natural process of decay. However, in-depth studies on the influence of this biological factor are still lacking. Here, a combination of proteomics and metabolomics is proposed for the first time to explore the interaction between bacteria and historical silk during biodegradation, which provides information on changes at the molecular level of proteins and bacterial metabolites. Morphological observation revealed biofilms produced by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Pseudomonas alcaligenes when cultured in the stationary phase and confirmed severe deterioration of silk. Proteomics showed that S. maltophilia had an unbiased effect on silk fibroin, indicating its ability to disrupt both heavy and light chains, as well as other proteins, while P. alcaligenes showed an affinity for more disordered proteins. Analysis of bacterial metabolites showed that overall activity reduction and significant accumulation of fatty acid and phenol metabolites occurred after silk addition, suggesting that the presence of silk may inhibit the activity of an individual strain. This study provides a new insight into the microbial degradation mechanism of archaeological silk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindan Pan
- Institute of Textile Conservation, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Chuanmiao Ding
- Institute of Textile Conservation, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Yefeng Deng
- Institute of Textile Conservation, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Hao Chen
- Institute of Textile Conservation, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Hailiang Yang
- Key Scientific Research Base of Textile Conservation, State Administration of Cultural Heritage, China National Silk Museum, Hangzhou 310002, China
| | - Biyang Wang
- McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3ER, UK
| | - Yang Zhou
- Key Scientific Research Base of Textile Conservation, State Administration of Cultural Heritage, China National Silk Museum, Hangzhou 310002, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Institute of Textile Conservation, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
- McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3ER, UK
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Wang B, Zhu C, Hu Y, Zhang B, Wang J. Dynamics of microbial community composition during degradation of silks in burial environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 883:163694. [PMID: 37100151 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The silk residues in the soil formed the unique niche, termed "silksphere." Here, we proposed a hypothesis that silksphere microbiota have great potential as a biomarker for unraveling the degradation of the ancient silk textiles with great archaeological and conservation values. To test our hypothesis, in this study, we monitored the dynamics of microbial community composition during silk degradation via both indoor soil microcosmos model and outdoor environment with amplicon sequencing against 16S and ITS gene. Microbial community divergence was evaluated with Welch two sample t-test, PCoA, negative binomial generalized log-linear model and clustering, etc. Community assembly mechanisms differences between silksphere and bulk soil microbiota were compared with dissimilarity-overlap curve (DOC) model, Neutral model and Null model. A well-established machine learning algorithm, random forest, was also applied to the screening of potential biomarkers of silk degradation. The results illustrated the ecological and microbial variability during the microbial degradation of silk. Vast majority of microbes populating the silksphere microbiota strongly diverged from those in bulk soil. Certain microbial flora can serve as an indicator of silk degradation, which would lead to a novel perspective to perform identification of archaeological silk residues in the field. To sum up, this study provides a new perspective to perform the identification of archaeological silk residue through the dynamics of microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Wang
- Department of Archaeology, Cultural Heritage and Museology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310028, China
| | - Chengshuai Zhu
- Department of Archaeology, Cultural Heritage and Museology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310028, China
| | - Yulan Hu
- Department of Archaeology, Cultural Heritage and Museology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310028, China.
| | - Bingjian Zhang
- Department of Archaeology, Cultural Heritage and Museology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310028, China
| | - Jianlan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Donghua University, 201620, China; School of Conservation, Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts, Shanghai 201620, China; Archaeology Program, Boston University, 675 Commonwealth Avenue, 02215 Boston, MA, USA.
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Phototrophic and fungal communities inhabiting the Roman cryptoporticus of the national museum Machado de Castro (UNESCO site, Coimbra, Portugal). World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 38:157. [PMID: 35809137 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-022-03345-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Caves are oligotrophic environments, characterized by constant temperatures, high humidity and low natural light. However, microbial shifts can still happen in such environments, especially with the increase in tourist activity and implementation of artificial lights, making caves even more susceptible to environmental changes. As a result, proliferation of phototrophic organisms can increase dramatically, leading to their settlement on stone surfaces, which in turn facilitates the development of heterotrophic organisms, such as fungi and bacteria. The Roman Cryptoporticus of the National Museum Machado de Castro, erected by the Romans in the 1st or second century, is one of the most emblematic buildings in the city of Coimbra. However, the majority of the rooms that constitute this monument show signs of biodeterioration by microalgae and cyanobacteria as well as of fungi. The aim of this study was to characterize the phototrophic and fungal communities at this site, employing culture-dependent and-independent methodologies. Culture-dependent results showed that the phototrophic communities were mainly composed of green microalgae, whereas the culture-independent showed that cyanobacteria were the most dominant. As to the fungal communities, both approaches identified various entomopathogenic fungal species. In addition, the culture-independent analysis also allowed to verify the presence of animal reads, suggesting the hypothesis that animal vectored dispersion can play an important role in the development of fungi at this environment.
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Madsen AM, Rasmussen PU, Frederiksen MW. Accumulation of microorganisms on work clothes of workers collecting different types of waste - A feasibility study. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 139:250-257. [PMID: 34979353 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2021.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electrostatic dust cloths have previously been used to study microorganisms in settled dust by placing the cloths horizontally on surfaces (called Electrostatic Dust Collectors, EDC). In this study, we investigate whether the same cloths, henceforth called 'E-Cloths', can be used to study accumulation of microorganisms and endotoxin on workers' clothes. This was studied as current methods have limitations. It was examined for waste collection workers, as their work environment is associated with elevated exposure to microorganisms and endotoxin. Each worker received a kit with a T-shirt with an attached E-Cloth on the front, a instruction letter, and a questionnaire. Workers wore the T-shirts during the next two workdays. Unaffected by waste type collected, it was possible to measure the accumulation of bacteria, fungi, and endotoxin from the work environment on the E-Cloths. Geometric mean concentration of 9 × 106 CFU bacteria/m2, 1 × 107 CFU fungi/m2, and 4 × 104 endotoxin units/m2 were found. In total, 100 different bacterial and 25 fungal species were found. The genus Bacillus (with 18 species) and Brevibacterium aurantiacum were among the dominating bacteria. For fungi, Penicillium brevicompactum, P. commune, Penicillium italicum, and Aspergillus niger were most often found. Importantly, mainly environmental bacteria and fungi had accumulated on the E-Cloths and only few skin-related bacterial species were present, showing that accumulation had happened from the work exposure and not workers' skin. In conclusion, the T-shirts with an E-Cloth can be used as a self-administered method for measurement of accumulation of microorganisms and endotoxin from the work environment on waste collection workers' clothes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Pil Uthaug Rasmussen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Margit W Frederiksen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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Sustainable Packaging Material Based on PCL Nanofibers and Lavandula luisieri Essential Oil, to Preserve Museological Textiles. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14030597. [PMID: 35160586 PMCID: PMC8838177 DOI: 10.3390/polym14030597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The connection with textiles is one of the oldest traditions in humanity, and in the historical scenario, textiles and clothing deal with material culture. Therefore, preservation is of the utmost importance to keep this important heritage. Packaging and protection of museological textiles is imperative due to the risks that these articles suffer, mainly concerning the attack of microorganisms that promote the acceleration of their degradation, and it is still necessary to create a proper packing material. In the present work we describe a bibliographic review about the museological scenario, focused on the packaging for preservation of textile articles, as well as the techniques usually used in preventive material conservation. Future perpsctives for the improvement in the conservation of museological textiles are also given. This research aims to produce a sustainable material based on polycaprolactone (PCL), with and without antimicrobial function by incorporating Lavandula luisieri essential oil (EO), in the form of a non-woven substrate for museological packaging. A comparison was made with the most frequently used materials, such as raw cotton and a non-woven polyester. The results demonstrated that both PCL and PCL + EO obtained a good characterization for museological application with good breaking strength and excellent whiteness index. In addition, PCL + EO showed a high bacterial reduction when compared with other protective materials frequently used in museums. Therefore, these findings emphasize the potential use of this material as an innovative protective antibacterial museological packaging solution, able to safeguard and preserve textile museum and clothing collections for longer and for future generations.
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Śliwka-Kaszyńska M, Ślebioda M, Brillowska-Dąbrowska A, Mroczyńska M, Karczewski J, Marzec A, Rybiński P, Drążkowska A. Multi-Technique Investigation of Grave Robes from 17th and 18th Century Crypts Using Combined Spectroscopic, Spectrometric Techniques, and New-Generation Sequencing. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14133535. [PMID: 34202830 PMCID: PMC8269536 DOI: 10.3390/ma14133535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The textile fragments of the funeral clothes found in the 17th and 18th century crypts were subjected to spectroscopic, spectrometric, and microbial investigation. The next-generation sequencing enabled DNA identification of microorganisms at the genus and in five cases to the species level. The soft hydrofluoric acid extraction method was optimized to isolate different classes of dyes from samples that had direct contact with human remains. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode matrix and tandem mass spectrometry detectors with electrospray ionization (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS) enabled the detection and identification of 34 colourants that are present in historical textiles. Some of them are thus far unknown and uncommon dyes. Indigo, madder, cochineal, turmeric, tannin-producing plant, and young fustic were identified as sources of dyes in textiles. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray detector (SEM-EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used to identify and characterize fibres and mordants in funeral gowns. Of the 23 textile samples tested, 19 were silk while the remaining four were recognized as wool. The presence of iron, aluminium, sodium, and calcium suggests that they were used as mordants. Traces of copper, silica, and magnesium might originate from the contaminants. The large amount of silver indicated the presence of metal wire in one of the dyed silk textiles. SEM images showed that textile fibres were highly degraded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Śliwka-Kaszyńska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology (Gdańsk Tech), 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Fax: +48-58-347-2694
| | - Marek Ślebioda
- Perlan Technologies, Sp. z.o.o., 02-785 Warszawa, Poland;
| | - Anna Brillowska-Dąbrowska
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology (Gdańsk Tech), 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.B.-D.); (M.M.)
| | - Martyna Mroczyńska
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology (Gdańsk Tech), 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.B.-D.); (M.M.)
| | - Jakub Karczewski
- Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics, Gdańsk University of Technology (Gdańsk Tech), 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Anna Marzec
- Institute of Polymer and Dye Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Przemysław Rybiński
- Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Science, The Jan Kochanowski University, 25-369 Kielce, Poland;
| | - Anna Drążkowska
- Faculty of History, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
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Gutiérrez A, Guàrdia L, Nociarová D, Malgosa A, Armentano N. Taphonomy of experimental burials in Taphos-m: The role of fungi. Rev Iberoam Micol 2021; 38:125-131. [PMID: 34099381 DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fungi present in the decaying remains enable a better understanding of the processes of decomposition after death. There are not many studies about fungi on decaying bodies and it is not known which fungal sampling methods are effective. AIMS The main objective of this study was to find the best method for sampling fungi in carcasses, prove the effectiveness of this method and identify the fungal colonies in animal carcasses from experimental burials. METHODS Samples from 13 carcasses of Sus scrofa domestica, from the experimental project Taphos-m, were taken with different materials: spatula, sterile swabs and RODAC contact plates. RESULTS RODAC contact plates with the RBA culture medium showed higher proliferation of fungal colonies. Thirty genera of fungi were isolated from different substrates (bone, tissue, lime). Most of the fungi genera or groups identified have been described before in the literature, but the substrates they came from were different in some cases. CONCLUSIONS Sampling with RODAC contact plates was found to be the most effective method, as it provides a nutritional culture medium that may allow growth since the moment of sampling. Fungi colonies grew better in RBA culture medium because bacterial growth is inhibited. Most of the observed fungi are related to the environment but some others have been found related to decomposing bodies for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Gutiérrez
- Unitat d'Antropologia Biològica, Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; NAF, S.C., Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Guàrdia
- Unitat de Botànica-Micologia, Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dominika Nociarová
- Unitat d'Antropologia Biològica, Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; NAF, S.C., Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Assumpció Malgosa
- Unitat d'Antropologia Biològica, Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; GREAB - Grup de Recerca en Antropologia Biològica, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Núria Armentano
- Unitat d'Antropologia Biològica, Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; Antropòlegs.LAB, Barcelona, Spain
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Current Knowledge on the Fungal Degradation Abilities Profiled through Biodeteriorative Plate Essays. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11094196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Fungi are known to contribute to the development of drastic biodeterioration of historical and valuable cultural heritage materials. Understandably, studies in this area are increasingly reliant on modern molecular biology techniques due to the enormous benefits they offer. However, classical culture dependent methodologies still offer the advantage of allowing fungal species biodeteriorative profiles to be studied in great detail. Both the essays available and the results concerning distinct fungal species biodeteriorative profiles obtained by amended plate essays, remain scattered and in need of a deep summarization. As such, the present work attempts to provide an overview of available options for this profiling, while also providing a summary of currently known fungal species putative biodeteriorative abilities solely obtained by the application of these methodologies. Consequently, this work also provides a series of checklists that can be helpful to microbiologists, restorers and conservation workers when attempting to safeguard cultural heritage materials worldwide from biodeterioration.
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MinION technology for microbiome sequencing applications for the conservation of cultural heritage. Microbiol Res 2021; 247:126727. [PMID: 33652267 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2021.126727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The MinION single-molecule sequencing system has been attracting the attention of the community of microbiologists involved in the conservation of cultural heritage. The use of MinION for the conservation of cultural heritage is extremely recent, but surprisingly the only few applications available have been exploring many different substrates: stone, textiles, paintings and wax. The use of MinION sequencing is mainly used to address the metataxonomy (with special emphasis on non-cultivable microorganisms) with the effort to identify species involved in the degradation of the substrates. In this review, we show the current applications available on different artworks, showing how this technology can be a useful tool for microbiologists and conservators also in light of its low cost and the easy chemistry.
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Biodeteriogens Characterization and Molecular Analyses of Diverse Funeral Accessories from XVII Century. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10165451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A historical crypt offers us a particular view of the conditions of some buried materials (in this case textiles) and the various biogenic phenomena to which they were subjected over the centuries. In addition, significant knowledge can come by studying the DNA of buried objects which allows the recognition of materials, but also to reveal some practice of the funeral ceremony. In this study, the deteriorating microbial communities colonizing various funeral textile items were identified and characterized using microscopic observation, cultivation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing, hydrolytic tests; and culture-independent analysis (high-throughput sequencing, MinION platform). Different PCR assays and consequent sequencing of amplicons were employed to recognize the animal origin of bodice reinforcements and the type of plant used to embellish the young girl. The analysis of ancient DNA (aDNA from animal and plant) was also completed by the application of high-throughput sequencing through Illumina platform. The combination of all these techniques permitted the identification of a complex microbiota composed by dangerous degradative microorganisms able to hydrolyze various organic substrates such as fibroin, keratin, and cellulose. Bacteria responsible for metal corrosion and bio-mineralization, and entomopathogenic and phytopathogenic fungi. The analysis of aDNA identified the animal component used in bodice manufacturing, the plant utilized as ornament and probably the season of this fatal event.
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Yang W, Jones BR, Rossi G, Stephens N, Arthur I, Merritt A, Reese S, Langner K. First case of a dog infected with Aspergillus (Phialosimplex) caninus in Australasia. N Z Vet J 2020; 68:231-237. [PMID: 31852374 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2019.1706659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Case history: A 2-year-old Rottweiler dog from Perth (WA, Australia) was referred for assessment of a chronic productive cough and weight loss.Clinical findings: Severely enlarged bilateral superficial cervical lymph nodes and severely enlarged abdominal organs were present. The body condition score was poor and there was moderate muscle wasting. Thoracic and abdominal computed tomography images revealed severe diffuse enlargement of thoracic and abdominal lymph nodes, hepatomegaly and diffuse splenomegaly. A diffuse bronchial pattern with severe multifocal saccular bronchiectasis was identified in the lungs.Diagnostic findings: Fungal organisms were seen within macrophages on cytological preparations and on histopathological sections of biopsies of the superficial cervical lymph node. Macrophages contained intracytoplasmic, non-filamentous round-to-ovoid organisms, which varied in size from 5-30 µm in diameter with variable morphology. Budding was not observed, and no hyphae were present. Fungal culture of lymph node tissue resulted in growth of Aspergillus (Phialosimplex) caninus which was confirmed by amplification and sequencing of a segment of the 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer. Concurrent bacterial bronchitis was diagnosed on culture of broncho-alveolar fluid.Diagnosis: Disseminated aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus caninus.Clinical relevance: This is believed to be the first report of infection caused by A. caninus in a dog in Australasia. The dog was treated with itraconazole for 7 months and was still alive 7 months after the start of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Yang
- The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - B R Jones
- The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - G Rossi
- The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - N Stephens
- The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - I Arthur
- PathWest Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - A Merritt
- PathWest Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - S Reese
- Vet Imaging Specialists, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Kfa Langner
- The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
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Townsell M, Legendre AM, Bemis DA, Behrend E, Phillips S. Long-Term Treatment and Survival in Three Apparently Immunocompetent Dogs with Disseminated Fungal Infection Caused by Phialosimplex caninus. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2018; 54:e54602. [DOI: 10.5326/jaaha-ms-6619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Disseminated fungal infections cause morbidity and mortality in dogs. The prognosis varies depending on the infecting agent. Phialosimplex caninus is a recently recognized type of hyalohyphomyces. Knowledge regarding the clinical course of P caninus infection in dogs is limited to two previous case reports. The clinical features, diagnostic findings, responses to medical therapy, and long-term outcomes of three dogs with disseminated P caninus are presented in this study. All dogs had improved quality of life once itraconazole administration, with or without terbinafine, was instituted. Long-term disease remission was maintained even after discontinuation of antifungal therapy in a single dog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Townsell
- From VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Center, Lawndale, California (M.T.); The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee (A.M.L., D.A.B.); Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Alabama (E.B.); and CARE Veterinary Center, Frederick, Maryland (S.P.)
| | - Alfred M. Legendre
- From VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Center, Lawndale, California (M.T.); The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee (A.M.L., D.A.B.); Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Alabama (E.B.); and CARE Veterinary Center, Frederick, Maryland (S.P.)
| | - David A. Bemis
- From VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Center, Lawndale, California (M.T.); The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee (A.M.L., D.A.B.); Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Alabama (E.B.); and CARE Veterinary Center, Frederick, Maryland (S.P.)
| | - Ellen Behrend
- From VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Center, Lawndale, California (M.T.); The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee (A.M.L., D.A.B.); Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Alabama (E.B.); and CARE Veterinary Center, Frederick, Maryland (S.P.)
| | - Stephanie Phillips
- From VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Center, Lawndale, California (M.T.); The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee (A.M.L., D.A.B.); Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Alabama (E.B.); and CARE Veterinary Center, Frederick, Maryland (S.P.)
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13
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Liu Y, Chen X, Wang X, Fang Y, Huang M, Guo L, Zhang Y, Zhao H. Improving biomass and starch accumulation of bioenergy crop duckweed (Landoltia punctata) by abscisic acid application. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9544. [PMID: 29934519 PMCID: PMC6015002 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27944-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Duckweed is a valuable feedstock for bioethanol production due to its high biomass and starch accumulation. In our preliminary experiment, we found that abscisic acid (ABA) could simultaneously increase starch and biomass accumulation of duckweed, but the mechanisms are still unclear. The results showed that the biomass production of duckweed reached up to 59.70 and 63.93 g m−2 in 6 days, respectively, with an increase of 7% (P < 0.05) compared to the control. The starch percentage increased from 2.29% up to 46.18% after 14 days of treatment, with a total of starch level 2.6-fold higher than that of the control. Moreover, the level of endogenous ABA, zeatin-riboside (ZR) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) increased, while gibberellins (GAs) decreased. Notably, ABA content in treated samples reached 336.5 mg/kg (fresh weight), which was 7.5-fold greater than that of the control. Importantly, the enzyme activities involved in starch biosynthesis increased while those catalyzing starch degradation decreased after ABA application. Taken together, these results indicated that ABA can promote biomass and starch accumulation by regulating endogenous hormone levels and the activity of starch metabolism related key enzymes. These results will provide an operable method for high starch accumulation in duckweed for biofuels production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- School of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610106, China
| | - Xiaoyi Chen
- School of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610106, China
| | - Xinhui Wang
- School of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610106, China
| | - Yang Fang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.,Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Mengjun Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Environmental Materials & Remediation Technologies, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, 402160, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Guo
- Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.,Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610106, China.,Meat Processing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610106, China
| | - Hai Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China. .,Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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14
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Abstract
Xerophilic fungi, especially Aspergillus species, are prevalent in the built environment. In this study, we employed a combined culture-independent (454-pyrosequencing) and culture-dependent (dilution-to-extinction) approach to investigate the mycobiota of indoor dust collected from 93 buildings in 12 countries worldwide. High and low water activity (aw) media were used to capture mesophile and xerophile biodiversity, resulting in the isolation of approximately 9 000 strains. Among these, 340 strains representing seven putative species in Aspergillus subgenus Polypaecilum were isolated, mostly from lowered aw media, and tentatively identified based on colony morphology and internal transcribed spacer rDNA region (ITS) barcodes. Further morphological study and phylogenetic analyses using sequences of ITS, β-tubulin (BenA), calmodulin (CaM), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2), DNA topoisomerase 1 (TOP1), and a pre-mRNA processing protein homolog (TSR1) confirmed the isolation of seven species of subgenus Polypaecilum, including five novel species: A. baarnensis, A. keratitidis, A. kalimae sp. nov., A. noonimiae sp. nov., A. thailandensis sp. nov., A. waynelawii sp. nov., and A. whitfieldii sp. nov. Pyrosequencing detected six of the seven species isolated from house dust, as well as one additional species absent from the cultures isolated, and three clades representing potentially undescribed species. Species were typically found in house dust from subtropical and tropical climates, often in close proximity to the ocean or sea. The presence of subgenus Polypaecilum, a recently described clade of xerophilic/xerotolerant, halotolerant/halophilic, and potentially zoopathogenic species, within the built environment is noteworthy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J.B. Tanney
- Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Biodiversity (Mycology and Microbiology), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 960 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C6, Canada
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - C.M. Visagie
- Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Biodiversity (Mycology and Microbiology), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 960 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C6, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada
- Biosystematics Division, ARC-Plant Health and Protection, P/BagX134, Queenswood, 0121 Pretoria, South Africa
| | - N. Yilmaz
- Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Biodiversity (Mycology and Microbiology), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 960 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C6, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - K.A. Seifert
- Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Biodiversity (Mycology and Microbiology), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 960 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C6, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada
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15
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Sclocchi MC, Kraková L, Pinzari F, Colaizzi P, Bicchieri M, Šaková N, Pangallo D. Microbial Life and Death in a Foxing Stain: a Suggested Mechanism of Photographic Prints Defacement. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2017; 73:815-826. [PMID: 27975134 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-016-0913-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The gelatin-silver halide black and white prints represent an enormous photography heritage with a great value. Unaesthetic phenomena, the foxing stains that are caused by microbial growth on surface, have been described in stamps, drawings, books, and tissues but, until now, scarcely for photographic materials. In this study, a combination of various techniques, including culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches (RNA and DNA analysis), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and μ-Raman spectroscopy supported by X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), permitted to describe the microbial contamination dynamics of foxing stains present on the surface of two gelatin-silver halide photographs. The investigation provided also information on the effects of microbial activity on the materials' chemistry of the two prints. The action of microbial community resulted locally in either (a) formation of mixed aluminum-iron-potassium phosphate compounds that could be attributed to the hydrolytic activity of bacteria, (b) leaching of barite,
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carla Sclocchi
- Istituto Centrale Restauro e Conservazione Patrimonio Archivistico e Librario (ICRCPAL),MIBACT, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Kraková
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Flavia Pinzari
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria, Centro di ricerca per lo studio delle Relazioni tra Pianta e Suolo (CREA-RPS), Rome, Italy
- Life Sciences Department, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Piero Colaizzi
- Istituto Centrale Restauro e Conservazione Patrimonio Archivistico e Librario (ICRCPAL),MIBACT, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Bicchieri
- Istituto Centrale Restauro e Conservazione Patrimonio Archivistico e Librario (ICRCPAL),MIBACT, Rome, Italy
| | - Nikoleta Šaková
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Domenico Pangallo
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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16
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Sawoszczuk T, Syguła-Cholewińska J, Del Hoyo-Meléndez JM. Application of solid-phase microextraction with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry for the early detection of active moulds on historical woollen objects. J Sep Sci 2016; 40:858-868. [PMID: 27935254 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201601018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 11/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this work was to determine the microbial volatile organic compounds emitted by moulds growing on wool in search of particular volatiles mentioned in the literature as indicators of active mould growth. The keratinolytically active fungi were inoculated on two types of media: (1) samples of wool placed on broths, and (2) on broths containing amino acids that are elements of the structure of keratin. All samples were prepared inside 20 mL vials (closed system). In the first case (1) the broths did not contain any sources of organic carbon, nitrogen, or sulfur, i.e. wool was the only nutrient for the moulds. A third type of sample was historical wool prepared in a Petri dish without a broth and inoculated with a keratinolytically active mould (open system). The microbial volatiles emitted by moulds were sampled with the headspace solid-phase microextraction method. Volatiles extracted on solid-phase microextraction fibers were analyzed in a gas chromatography with mass spectrometry system. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of chromatograms were carried out in search of indicators of metabolic activity. The results showed that there are three groups of volatiles that can be used for the detection of active forms of moulds on woollen objects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Sawoszczuk
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Commodity Science, Cracow University of Economics, Cracow, Poland
| | - Justyna Syguła-Cholewińska
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Commodity Science, Cracow University of Economics, Cracow, Poland
| | - Julio M Del Hoyo-Meléndez
- Laboratory of Analysis and Non-Destructive Investigation of Heritage Objects, National Museum in Krakow, Cracow, Poland
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17
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Evaluation of a Parchment Document, the 13th Century Incorporation Charter for the City of Krakow, Poland, for Microbial Hazards. Appl Environ Microbiol 2016; 82:2620-31. [PMID: 26896133 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03851-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The literature of environmental microbiology broadly discusses issues associated with microbial hazards in archives, but these publications are mainly devoted to paper documents. There are few articles on historical parchment documents, which used to be very important for the development of literature and the art of writing. These studies present a broad spectrum of methods for the assessment of biodeterioration hazards of the parchment document in question. They are based on both conventional microbiological methods and advanced techniques of molecular biology. Here, a qualitative analysis was conducted, based on genetic identification of bacteria and fungi present on the document as well as denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiling and examining the destructive potential of isolated microbes. Moreover, the study involved a quantitative and qualitative microbiological assessment of the indoor air in the room where the parchment was kept. The microbes with the highest destructive potential that were isolated from the investigated item were Bacillus cereus and Acinetobacter lwoffii bacteria and Penicillium chrysogenum,Chaetomium globosum, and Trichoderma longibrachiatum fungi. The presence of the B. cereuss train was particularly interesting since, under appropriate conditions, it leads to complete parchment degradation within several days.
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18
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Water-related environments: a multistep procedure to assess the diversity and enzymatic properties of cultivable bacteria. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 32:42. [DOI: 10.1007/s11274-015-1997-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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19
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Microbial communities affecting albumen photography heritage: a methodological survey. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20810. [PMID: 26864429 PMCID: PMC4749957 DOI: 10.1038/srep20810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study is one of the few investigations which analyze albumen prints, perhaps the most important photographic heritage of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The chemical composition of photographic samples was assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence. These two non-invasive techniques revealed the complex nature of albumen prints, which are composed of a mixture of proteins, cellulose and salts. Microbial sampling was performed using cellulose nitrate membranes which also permitted the trapped microflora to be observed with a scanning electron microscope. Microbial analysis was performed using the combination of culture-dependent (cultivation in different media, including one 3% NaCl) and culture-independent (bacterial and fungal cloning and sequencing) approaches. The isolated microorganisms were screened for their lipolytic, proteolytic, cellulolytic, catalase and peroxidase activities. The combination of the culture-dependent and -independent techniques together with enzymatic assays revealed a substantial microbial diversity with several deteriogen microorganisms from the genera Bacillus, Kocuria, Streptomyces and Geobacillus and the fungal strains Acrostalagmus luteoalbus, Bjerkandera adusta, Pleurotus pulmonarius and Trichothecium roseum.
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20
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Optimization of headspace solid phase microextraction for the analysis of microbial volatile organic compounds emitted by fungi: Application to historical objects. J Chromatogr A 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2015.07.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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21
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Piñar G, Sterflinger K, Ettenauer J, Quandt A, Pinzari F. A combined approach to assess the microbial contamination of the archimedes palimpsest. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2015; 69:118-34. [PMID: 25135817 PMCID: PMC4287661 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-014-0481-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
A combined approach, using molecular and microscopic techniques, was used to identify the microbiota associated with the Archimedes Palimpsest, an unusual parchment manuscript. SEM analyses revealed the microbial damage to the collagen fibers and the presence of characteristic cell chains typical of filamentous bacteria and fungal spores. Molecular analysis confirmed a homogeneous bacterial community colonizing the manuscript. The phyla Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were associated with this ancient parchment; the sequences were most related to uncultured clones detected in the human skin microbiome and in ephitelium, and to cultivated species of the genera Acinetobacter and Nocardiopsis. Nevertheless, a great variation was observed among the different sampled areas indicating fungal diversity. Blumeria spp. dominated in the healthy areas of the parchment while degraded areas showed disparate fungal communities, with dominant members of the genera Mucor and Cladosporium. In addition, the quantification of the β-actin gene by real-time PCR analyses (qPCR) revealed a higher fungal abundance on degraded areas than on the healthy ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Piñar
- Institute of Applied Microbiology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Katja Sterflinger
- Institute of Applied Microbiology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jörg Ettenauer
- Institute of Applied Microbiology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Abigail Quandt
- The Walters Art Museum, Book and Paper Conservation, 600 North Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Flavia Pinzari
- Laboratorio di Biologia, Ministero per i Beni e le Attivita Culturali, Istituto Centrale per il Restauro e la Conservazione del Patrimonio Archivistico e Librario (ICRCPAL), Via Milano 76, 00184 Rome, Italy
- Present Address: Consiglio per la Ricerca e la sperimentazione in Agricoltura, Centro di ricerca per lo studio delle relazioni tra pianta e suolo, Via della Navicella 2-4, 00184 Rome, Italy
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22
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Pangallo D, Bučková M, Kraková L, Puškárová A, Šaková N, Grivalský T, Chovanová K, Zemánková M. Biodeterioration of epoxy resin: a microbial survey through culture-independent and culture-dependent approaches. Environ Microbiol 2014; 17:462-79. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.12523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Revised: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Pangallo
- Institute of Molecular Biology; Slovak Academy of Sciences; Dúbravská cesta 21 Bratislava 845 51 Slovakia
| | - Maria Bučková
- Institute of Molecular Biology; Slovak Academy of Sciences; Dúbravská cesta 21 Bratislava 845 51 Slovakia
| | - Lucia Kraková
- Institute of Molecular Biology; Slovak Academy of Sciences; Dúbravská cesta 21 Bratislava 845 51 Slovakia
| | - Andrea Puškárová
- Institute of Molecular Biology; Slovak Academy of Sciences; Dúbravská cesta 21 Bratislava 845 51 Slovakia
| | - Nikoleta Šaková
- Institute of Molecular Biology; Slovak Academy of Sciences; Dúbravská cesta 21 Bratislava 845 51 Slovakia
- Department of Nutrition and Food Quality Assessment; Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology; Slovak University of Technology; Radlinského 9 Bratislava 812 37 Slovakia
| | - Tomaš Grivalský
- Institute of Molecular Biology; Slovak Academy of Sciences; Dúbravská cesta 21 Bratislava 845 51 Slovakia
| | - Katarina Chovanová
- Institute of Molecular Biology; Slovak Academy of Sciences; Dúbravská cesta 21 Bratislava 845 51 Slovakia
| | - Milina Zemánková
- Institute of Materials and Machine Mechanics; Slovak Academy of Sciences; Račianska 75 Bratislava 831 02 Slovakia
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23
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Sterflinger K, Piñar G. Microbial deterioration of cultural heritage and works of art--tilting at windmills? Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2013; 97:9637-46. [PMID: 24100684 PMCID: PMC3825568 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-013-5283-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Microorganisms (bacteria, archaea and fungi), in addition to lichens and insect pests, cause problems in the conservation of cultural heritage because of their biodeteriorative potential. This holds true for all types of historic artefacts, and even for art made of modern materials, in public buildings, museums and private art collections. The variety of biodeterioration phenomena observed on materials of cultural heritage is determined by several factors, such as the chemical composition and nature of the material itself, the climate and exposure of the object, in addition to the manner and frequency of surface cleaning and housekeeping in museums. This study offers a review of a variety of well-known biodeterioration phenomena observed on different materials, such as stone and building materials, objects exhibited in museums and libraries, as well as human remains and burial-related materials. The decontamination of infected artefacts, exhibition rooms and depots incurs high expenditure for museums. Nevertheless, the question has to be raised: whether the process of biodeterioration of cultural heritage can or should be stopped under all circumstances, or whether we have to accept it as a natural and an implicit consecution of its creation. This study also highlights critically the pros and cons of biocide treatments and gives some prominent examples of successful and unsuccessful conservation treatments. Furthermore, an outlook on the future research needs and developments in this highly interesting field is given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Sterflinger
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190, Vienna, Austria,
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24
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Piñar G, Piombino-Mascali D, Maixner F, Zink A, Sterflinger K. Microbial survey of the mummies from the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo, Italy: biodeterioration risk and contamination of the indoor air. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2013; 86:341-56. [PMID: 23772650 PMCID: PMC3916889 DOI: 10.1111/1574-6941.12165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo contain over 1800 preserved bodies dating from the 16th to 20th centuries AD and showing evidence of biodeterioration. An extensive microbiological and molecular investigation was recently performed. Samples were taken from skin, muscle, hair, bone, stuffing materials, clothes, and surrounding walls as well as from the indoor air. In this study, we witnessed that the different degradation phenomena observed on the variety of materials located at the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo are biological in origin. Molecular techniques showed the dominance of halophilic species of the domains Bacteria and Archaea on the walls and – as a result of salt emanating from the walls – on the mummies themselves. Nevertheless, specialized microorganisms belonging to taxa well-known for their cellulolytic and proteolytic activities were detected on clothes and stuffing material, and on skin, muscle, hair, and bone, respectively. This specialized microbiota is threatening the conservation of the mummies themselves. Additionally, sequences related to the human skin microbiome and to some pathogenic Bacteria (order Clostridiales) and fungi (genus Phialosimplex) were identified on samples derived from the mummies. Furthermore, a phosphate-reducing fungus, Penicillium radicum, was detected on bone. Finally, the high concentration of airborne fungal spores is not conducive to the conservation of the human remains and is posing a potential health risk for visitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Piñar
- Department of Biotechnology, VIBT-Vienna Institute of BioTechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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