Biological diversity detected in two deteriorated Cuban cinematographic films that contribute to their biodegrading
- Journal of Microbiology & Experimentation
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Isbel Vivar,1
Sofia Borrego2
Abstract
The cinematographic films are a reproduced version of reality and have become vital
documents to study everything around us. For their preservation it is necessary to study
the biodeterioration of these documents. The aims of this study were to characterize the
biodeterioration caused mainly by microorganisms in two cinematographic films by applying
molecular methodologies, electron microscopy and epifluorescence microscopy as well as
to determine the enzymatic characterization of the fungal species isolated. From the Cuban
Institute for Cinematographic Industry and Arts (ICAIC) the samples on two damaged
cinematographic films were collected. The films were analyzed by different microscopic
techniques, including the two types of electron microscopy. Also, the degradative potential
of the isolated fungi was determined by qualitative evaluation of the enzymatic activities.
A significant fungal colonization on both sides of the films and the damages caused by
these microorganisms in the material were observed as well as the exoskeletons of dust
mites of the families Tydeidae and Tarsonemidae as part of biofouling that were used
as nutrients by the fungi. By epifluorescence microscopy was observed that some of the
microorganisms were still viable and active. Using molecular biology techniques could be
identified several species corresponding to the fungal genera Aspergillus, Cladosporium,
Penicillium and Microascus as well as the bacteria genera Bacillus, Staphylococcus and
Kocuria, which were responsible of the biodeterioration of these films. All isolated fungal
species were capable to degrade the cellulose and gelatin as well as to excrete organic acids
and pigments. Bacteria were detected in low concentrations as well as other biological
agents, but it was observed that the films were being colonized by a high concentration of
various fungal species with a significant biodeteriogenic potential, demonstrating that they
were severely affecting the films.
Keywords
biodeterioration, cinematographic films, electron microscopy, microorganisms, molecular biology
