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Updated: Jan 27, 2026

An Experimental Protocol for Studying Mineral Effects on Organic Hydrothermal Transformations
Published on: August 8, 2018
Micromycetes as colonizers of mineral building materials in historic monuments and museums
Valeria B Ponizovskaya1, Natalia L Rebrikova2, Aleksey V Kachalkin3
1Department of Mycology and Algology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-12 Leninskie Gory, 119234 Moscow, Russia.
Abstract:
Complex of microfungi colonizing mineral building materials, i.e. limestone and plaster, in interiors of cultural heritage was characterized. Wide-scale investigation was carried out with fourteen objects studied. We have revealed a specific culturable community. We have analyzed role of obtained microfungi in biodeterioraton process on the basis of our tests (pH and water activity preferences, ability to solubilize CaCO3) and literature data (substrate preferences and enzyme activities). The species most actively developing in mineral materials in indoor environments were Acremonium charticola, Acremonium furcatum, Lecanicillium sp., Parengyodontium album, Purpureocillium lilacinum and Sarocladium kiliense. Considering this fact and their ability to develop successfully at extremely wide range of pH values from slightly acidic to alkaline ones and their high enzymatic activities we conclude that the listed species are of high interest in seeking the cause of biodeterioration. These species can actively develop in materials penetrating for years deep into the substrates and causing their deterioration in conditions of considerably heightened moisture content. In this group, A. charticola and Lecanicillium sp. were able to solubilize CaCO3.
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