Biodeterioration

Biodeterioration is the undesirable alteration of materials—such as ancient papers, wood, stone, and bone—caused by biological activity by microbes, especially fungi.

Fungal biodeterioration involves both physical and chemical mechanisms.

Physically, fungal hyphae penetrate and colonize the substrate material, causing biopitting, cracking, fiber separation, and surface erosion.

Chemically, fungi secrete enzymes such as cellulases and ligninases that degrade structural polymers in wood or paper into simpler molecules, which they absorb as food.

On mineral-rich fossils, like bones, organic acids released by fungi lower the pH and dissolve minerals to form secondary crusts, weakening the material.

Additionally, fungal pigments, such as melanins, along with mineral byproducts, stain the materials.

Preventive strategies focus on minimizing environmental conditions that support fungal growth.

These include controlling humidity and temperature, reducing dust buildup, and preventing direct exposure to water.

Antifungal treatments or protective antimicrobial coatings can prevent further damage.