Microbial Causes of Art Damage and Their Enzyme Profiles

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the enzyme profiles of microorganisms isolated from biologically damaged art- work. A total of 15 paintings were screened for fungi and bacteria using standard microbiological methods. Aspergillus spp (26.2%) and Bacillus spp (21.4%) were the most common causes of spoilage among 42 isolates. Representative fungal and bacterial isolates (n=14) were screened for 20 enzymes. All isolates (100%) possessed cellulolytic and phosphate mobilizing enzymes; 79% produced lipid-degrading enzymes. In the light of the changing industrial demand for the use of enzyme-based processes and non-animal enzyme sources, these microbial populations have a promising role.