Low molecular weight organic acid salts, markers of old fungi activity in wall paintings

DOI: 10.1039/C5AY02656C

Authors: Nati Salvadó (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) , Salvador Butí (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) , Trinitat Pradell (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) , Victòria Beltran (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) , Gianfelice Cinque (Diamond Light Source) , Jordi Juanhuix (CELLS-ALBA Synchrotron) , Lídia Font (Museu d’Historia de Barcelona MUHBA) , Rosa Senserrich (Universitat de Barcelona)
Co-authored by industrial partner: No

Type: Journal Paper
Journal: Analytical Methods

State: Published (Approved)
Published: January 2016
Diamond Proposal Number(s): 10400

Abstract: Micro-Infrared Spectroscopy (μSR-FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (μSR-XRD) with synchrotron light, Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (CG/MS), Optical Microscopy (OM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM/EDS) were used to identify and obtain the distribution of complex mixtures of calcium salts of low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOA) in micro-layered micro-samples. Filamentous fungi produce LMWOA that can react with metal cations producing stable salts. These substances were found in the dark spots covering the surfaces of Saint Michael's Chapel wall paintings of the Royal Monastery of Pedralbes in Barcelona linking them to old fungi activity. The presence of glycerol likewise related to the fungi activity is also identified in the layers.

Journal Keywords: Fungi; LMWOA salts; acid salts

Subject Areas: Chemistry


Instruments: B22-Multimode InfraRed imaging And Microspectroscopy

Other Facilities: ALBA