Is the fungus Aspergillus a threat to cultural heritage?

Abstract

Biodeterioration is related to several biological systems and metabolic activities of fungi and bacteria. Fungal contamination is determined by the availability of water and temperature. Aspergillus is a fungus with great enzymatic capacity and with a high biodeterioration power. For this reason, it represents a threat to the conservation of cultural heritage objects. In this work, an exhaustive search of all the species involved was carried out, describing in detail the deterioration produced in different objects (wooden objects, glasses, paper, paintings, textiles, audiovisuals, glasses, human remains) as well preventive treatments. Like an opportunistic fungus it might cause some illness related to workers, a situation that is also addressed. Since the number of species increased from 180 to over 400 in the last 20 years, a taxonomy update has been done.