Mysterious mould in museums

Xerophilic moulds: a new challenge for curators

Xerophilic moulds are moulds that thrive in dry conditions. They are particularly problematic in museums, archives and libraries because they can grow on many of the materials that make up historic collections – including paper, textiles, and wood.

Xerophilic moulds are also challenging because the indoor environment in many museums is carefully controlled to prevent damage to the objects they look after. Despite the fact that these environments are carefully controlled, these conditions can create an ideal environment for these moulds to grow.

Xerophilic moulds are moreover hard to detect because they are not always visible to the naked eye. They often grow in areas that are difficult to access, such as inside the bindings of books or within the layers of multi-layered artworks. 

A new test for xerophilic mould

Together with researchers at Roskilde Museum in Denmark (who were among the first to identify this problem) HouseTest is developing a qPCR test that specifically detects DNA from xerophilic moulds. qPCR testing is highly accurate – and its ability to distinguish between mould species means that it is able to detect mould even if it is growing out of sight. 

Xerophilic moulds are a growing and significant concern for museums and other cultural institutions because they endanger both their collections and the health of the staff working with them. 

Preventing the growth of these moulds requires a comprehensive approach that involves monitoring the collection for signs of mould growth and taking swift action when mould is identified.

Routine qPCR testing for xerophilic mould, therefore, promises to be an essential tool for curators, librarians and archivists as they work to protect their collections from this new threat.