Abstract
Paper composed mainly of organic materials and they can be used as nutrient by microorganisms. Therefore microorganisms are damaging the important documents and works of art irreversibly. Previous research reported that mycelium or spores of the fungi were observed on the wax of the volumes of King Sejong especially were heavily deteriorated by fungi. Fungal strains isolated from the annals of Joseon dynasty were identified as Biscogniauxia atropunctata, Aspergillus versicolor, Penicillium polonicum, Ceriporia lacerata, Irpex lacteus. Especially Aspergillus and Penicillium are able to grow on the substrates having a 7-8% moisture content, which is much lower than the general storage condition (RH55-60%) of the paper cultural properties. Moreover, they are known as fungi cause paper deterioration and discoloration. In this study, we selected Aspergillus versicolor and Penicillium polonicum among five strains, then biological aging has been executed for 30 days. The growth of Aspergillus versicolor and Penicillium polonicum in wax was lower than wax treated paper and Hanji. The growth of them in beeswax treated paper and Hanji both were excellent.
