Brackish and Hypersaline Lakes as Potential Reservoir for Enzymes Involved in Decomposition of Organic Materials on Frescoes

This study highlights the decomposing role through hydrolytic activities of fungi isolated from natural environments represented by brackish and hypersaline lakes in Romania. Novel strains belonging to Penicillium, Aspergillus, Emericellopsis genera were screened for ability produce extracellular enzymes, i.e., proteases, lipases, amylases, cellulases, xylanases, pectinases. According salt requirements, they classified as moderate halophilic halotolerant strains. Agar plate-based assays with Tween 80, slide cultures organic deposits, quantitative evaluation allowed selection Aspergillus sp. BSL 2-2, Penicillium 3-2, MM2 potentially good decomposers matter not only but also on deposits covering mural paintings. Experiments performed painted experimental models revealed that 3-2 decomposed Paraloid B72, transparent dispersion casein, beeswax, sunflower oil, soot. Moreover, using microscopic, spectroscopic, imaging methods, it was proved efficiency decomposition artificially applied frescoes fragments.