Filamentous Fungi from Rila Monastery: Isolation and Growth Characterization

ABSTRACT

Microbiological investigations of cultural heritage may be helpful in the choice of possible intervention for the prevention of biological degradation of works of art. Fungi presented in stone, fretwork and fresco samples from different objects in Rila monastery were isolated and characterized. Pure cultures of 9 strains were obtained and tested for their ability to grow (mycelia mat radial extension) on four agar media at temperature 30°C. The best growth occurred on Sabouraud agar, beer agar and potato glucose agar.

Cultivation of four strains in jar bioreactors on Sabouraud medium for assessment of growth phase, glucose consumption and protein synthesis was performed. Extensive mycelia development could even be seen at 12 h of the cultivation starting at a time when glucose was abundant in the culture medium. Maximal biomass was attained at 72 or 84 h of growth. A sharp increase in extracellular protein synthesis was noted in the early stages of growth. The data indicated that all cultures were able to efficiently use glucose as carbon sources.

Keywords:

• culture heritage
• fungi
• growth characterization
• isolation
• Rila monastery