Xerophilic Fungi Detection in Cultural Heritage Sites Essential for Preservation

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the National Research Centre for the Working Environment in Copenhagen, Denmark, have emphasized the significance of detecting xerophilic fungi in cultural heritage sites and libraries to protect staff from fungal exposure and preserve heritage collections. The study focused on developing a supplementary matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry database for identifying xerophilic/xerotolerant species, which are often resistant to dry conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers developed a supplementary matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry database for identifying xerophilic/xerotolerant species, which can help detect fungal growth in dry environments.
  • The database was created using 19 species grown in four different broth media and evaluated on samples from domestic homes, a museum, and a warehouse.
  • The study found that low-water activity agar media had a profound effect on detection of these xerophilic/xerotolerant species.
  • Isolates from environmental samples identified by the Bruker fungi library were not misidentified by the supplementary database, while some previously unidentified isolates could be identified.
  • The researchers recommended using low-water activity broth media for constructing the database and applied to other environments.
  • The study showed that it is possible to develop a supplementary matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry database for the identification of xerophilic/xerotolerant species.

Statistics:

  • 19 species were included in the supplementary matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry database.
  • The database was evaluated on samples from 3 different environments: domestic homes, a museum, and a warehouse.
  • 4 different broth media were used to grow the 19 species.
  • 2 previously unidentified isolates were identified using the supplementary database.

Sources:

  • Optimising a MALDI-TOF MS database for the detection of xerophilic fungi across environments. UCL Open Environment, 2025;7(1).
  • NewsRx. Researchers at National Research Centre for the Working Environment Report Findings in Information Technology (Optimising a MALDI-TOF MS database for the detection of xerophilic fungi across environments). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. August 29, 2025; p 706.