Date of Completion

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

Keywords

fungi, biodeterioration, repository, biochemical analysis

Abstract

Pieces of art stored in repositories and display rooms are subject to fungal colonization that leads to biodeterioration processes. When fungal growth develops in heritage collections, it threatens the heritage preservation and occupational health of museum staff. Hence, this study aimed to assess the mysterious fungal colonization on preserved cultural artifacts inside the climate-controlled environment. Morphological, physicochemical, and molecular techniques were used to characterize the fungi inhabiting the heritages collections. A total of 60 samples were obtained. However, only 38 were reported to have fungal colonization, and of the 38, only 15 were sequenced. Molecular identification of fungal strains isolated from a climate-controlled national repository collections environment were closely related to Aspergillus clavatus, Penicilium oxalicum, Fusarium sp. 1, Aspergillus sp. 1, Aspergillus sp. 2, and Xyllariacea family. All 38 isolates tested positive for cellulase and acid production tests, about 34% of the isolates turned positive for the polyphenol oxidase test, and about 32% turned positive for both the pigment production test and the casein test. Many species isolated belonged to fungal species that are known to cause pulmonary diseases and aspergillosis. The stoneware-based collection is the most resistant to fungal colonization that has cellulolytic activity. This work surges the knowledge of the fungal diversity that inhabits heritage collections, and it provides valuable information to develop strategies to conserve, maintain, and protect these invaluable objects.

First Advisor

Llyrha Mae M. Capio

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