Fungal pigments on paper: Raman and quantum chemistry studies of Alternaria Sp

To advance our understanding of the molecular biochemistry fungi which impact cultural heritage in libraries, museums and archives we investigated diagnostic capacity Raman spectroscopy to identify composition colored chromophores on paper. In this study explored resonant distinguish fungal filaments stimulated grow paper under high humidity with a focus characterizing Alternaria group species. facilitate analysis, conducted quantum chemistry calculations representative metabolites having optical absorption ultraviolet–visible spectral range. Comparing theory experiment show that fonsecin, erythroglaucin aurasperone type occur mature hyphal ?-carotene dominant yeast depositions surfaces. Resonant suggests further contribution carotenes longer than signature. Using microscopic resolution, rich sets signatures assign lignin, flavoglaucin, riboflavin, cycloleucomelon(e) asperyellone components spatial regions where initiate from depositions. such regions, filament microstructures stimulate development three-dimensional scaffold, diversity resonances confirms developing structures. The library computed spectroscopic responses characteristic presented here is essential for effect wide range objects made including books, prints, drawings, watercolors, engravings even sculptures as well designing next generation materials based mats.