From Papyrus to Compact Disc: The Microbial Deterioration of Documentary Heritage
- 1 January 2005
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Critical Reviews in Microbiology
- Vol. 31 (1), 1-10
- https://doi.org/10.1080/10408410490884766
Abstract
Highly significant evidence of the intellectual and cultural efforts of the human race is contained in documents. They take many forms, from papyri through paper to modern magnetic media and optical records. These items are mainly made of organic materials many of which contain polymers, which span from cellulose and its derivatives to synthetic resins. As with other manmade objects, however, documentary heritage is susceptible to chemical, physical, and biological damage. For the colonization and establishment of any biological community, the composition of materials used, their status of conservation, and environmental and climatic factors, such as temperature and humidity, are important elements to take into account. This article covers the scientific investigation of microbial degradation of documents, which is one of the most serious and underappreciated sources of damage to library and archival materials. In particular, although less known, modern records, including compact discs, are also subjected to biodeterioration. Archival and library material preservation broadly encompasses those activities and functions designed to produce a suitable and safe environment that extends the life of collections in useable condition for as long as is feasible. In the literature quoted, key information is also provided to avoid or limit microbial growth and some conservation treatments are also reported.Keywords
This publication has 23 references indexed in Scilit:
- The Biodeterioration of Synthetic Resins Used in ConservationMacromolecular Bioscience, 2004
- Quenching quorum-sensing-dependent bacterial infection by an N-acyl homoserine lactonaseNature, 2001
- Bacterial isolates degrading aliphatic polycarbonatesFEMS Microbiology Letters, 1998
- Poly(ethylene carbonate)s, part I: Syntheses and structural effects on biodegradationJournal of Controlled Release, 1997
- Preparation, characterization and biodegradation studies on cellulose acetates with varying degrees of substitutionPolymer, 1997
- Fungal colonization of computer diskettes and other magnetic mediaMycopathologia, 1994
- Acidity in canvas painting supports: Deacidification of two 20th century paintingsThe Conservator, 1986
- Foxing, a fungal infection of paperNature, 1978
- Papyrus and the Adhesive Properties of Its Cell Sap in Relation to Paper-MakingThe Journal of Egyptian Archaeology, 1967
- Writing upon Parchment and Papyrus among the Babylonians and the AssyriansJournal of the American Oriental Society, 1928