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MALDI Sample Preparation: the Ultra Thin Layer Method
Published on: April 29, 2007
Unmasking the measles-like parchment discoloration: molecular and microanalytical approach
Guadalupe Piñar1, Katja Sterflinger, Flavia Pinzari
1Institute of Applied Microbiology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, Vienna, 1190, Austria.
Abstract:
Many ancient parchments are defaced by red or purple maculae associated with localized destruction of collagen fibres. Although the main characteristics of this damage were present in most of the manuscripts analysed by many authors, no common microbial or fungal denominator has been found so far, and little or no correspondence between the microbial or fungal species isolated from materials could be addressed. In this study, culture-independent molecular methods and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to identify fungal and bacterial communities on parchments affected by the purple stains. Protocols for c extraction and nucleic-acid-based strategies were selected for assays examining the community structure of fungi and bacteria on biodeteriorated parchment. Both SEM and molecular analysis detected the presence of bacterial and fungal cells in the damaged areas. Halophilic, halotolerant proteolytic bacterial species were selected by the saline environment provided by the parchment samples. As common microbial denominators, members of the Actinobacteria, mainly Saccharopolyspora spp. and species of Aspergillus, were detected in all investigated cases. It is proposed that a relationship exists between the phenomenon of purple spots on ancient parchments and that of the 'red heat' phenomenon, known to be present in some products manufactured with marine salt.
Insights
Researchers identified specific bacteria and fungi, including Actinobacteria and Aspergillus, on ancient parchments with purple stains. These findings suggest a link between parchment biodeterioration and marine salt-related phenomena.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Ancient parchments often exhibit purple maculae, a form of biodeterioration linked to collagen fiber destruction.
- Previous studies have not identified a consistent microbial or fungal cause for this parchment damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the fungal and bacterial communities present on ancient parchments with purple stains using modern molecular techniques.
- To investigate the potential relationship between the purple stain phenomenon and other salt-related biodeterioration processes.
Main Methods:
- Culture-independent molecular methods were employed to analyze microbial communities.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to visualize microbial cells on parchment surfaces.
- Nucleic acid-based strategies were applied to assess bacterial and fungal community structure.
Main Results:
- Both SEM and molecular analyses confirmed the presence of bacterial and fungal cells in damaged parchment areas.
- Halophilic and halotolerant proteolytic bacteria were identified, thriving in the parchment's saline environment.
- Common microbial denominators, primarily Actinobacteria (Saccharopolyspora spp.) and Aspergillus species, were consistently detected across all samples.
Conclusions:
- A distinct microbial community, including specific bacterial and fungal species, is associated with purple stains on ancient parchments.
- The findings suggest a potential link between parchment biodeterioration and the 'red heat' phenomenon observed in marine salt products.
- This research provides crucial insights into the microbial agents responsible for ancient manuscript degradation.
