Evaluation of bacterial contamination on objects d'art by membrane filtration and epifluorescence microscopy

Bacterial contimination on proteinaceous objets d'art such as parchment and mummies exposed to low relative humidity and low oxygen levels has been assessed using a polycarbonate NUCLEPORE filter and incedent light (epifluorescence) microscopy. The technique described is a rapid and sensitive means for observing and evaluating bacterial populations including anaerobic organisms involved in the depolymerization of collagen. Using contaminated 17th century parchment treated to microenvironmental control and modified atmospheres a positive relationship has been found between fluorescence counts and plate colony counts.