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The aim of this study was to identify the nature and cause of foxing spots in a historical manuscript. This manuscript was a Holy Quran from the beginning of the Qajar period and the end of the 18th century. Samples were incubated for 14 days and were evaluated for the presence of fungal activity. UV fluorescence photography, micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were also used to investigate the characteristics and causes of foxing spots. The results showed that there was no fungal activity in the foxing spots of this manuscript. Based on the morphology of the stain in UV fluorescence photography, these foxing stains are of the Bullseye type, usually associated with metal ions. µXRF spectroscopy also showed a high accumulation of iron and copper at the site of these spots. This indicates abiotic foxing in this manuscript. Based on FTIR spectroscopy and peak deconvolution and fitting by Gaussian function, abiotic foxing increases the cellulose oxidation rate. Intensification of cellulose oxidation in foxing stains can be considered as one of the reasons for paper discoloration.

The aim of this study was to identify the nature and cause of foxing spots in a historical manuscript. This manuscript was a Holy Quran from the beginning of the Qajar period and the end of the 18th century. Samples were incubated for 14 days and were evaluated for the presence of fungal activity. UV fluorescence photography, micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were also used to investigate the characteristics and causes of foxing spots. The results showed that there was no fungal activity in the foxing spots of this manuscript. Based on the morphology of the stain in UV fluorescence photography, these foxing stains are of the Bullseye type, usually associated with metal ions. µXRF spectroscopy also showed a high accumulation of iron and copper at the site of these spots. This indicates abiotic foxing in this manuscript. Based on FTIR spectroscopy and peak deconvolution and fitting by Gaussian function, abiotic foxing increases the cellulose oxidation rate. Intensification of cellulose oxidation in foxing stains can be considered as one of the reasons for paper discoloration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historic cultural heritage and archival manuscripts have a significant importance worldwide and efforts should be considered to preserve such property for as long as possible. The current study aimed to establish a non-toxic, and eco-friendly conservation strategy for retarding paper biodeterioration. To this end, fungal isolates associated with the biodeteriorated paper manuscripts of the historical book "DESCRIPTION DE L´EGYPTE" dating back to 1823 A.D were isolated. These isolates were identified as Asperigllus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium chrysogenum and Alternaria alternata and then evaluated for cellulolytic activities. Amongst them, Aspergillus niger A2 exhibited the highest cellulase activity. In in vitro study using filter papers as model, the suppressive effect of biosynthesized silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) on A. niger A2 bioderteriorant activity was evaluated. Biosynthesized Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). Color changes, tensile strength, FT-IR-spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy of NPs-treated papers were examined. Treatments with 2 mM Ag-NPs and 2 mM ZnO-NPs exhibited the best conservation effect on treated papers and alleviated cellulose degradation. Furthermore, this treatments enhanced tensile strength and preserved the original morphology of paper fibers. These results introduced a potential approach for historical documents conservation against fungal biodeterioration through NPs sprays. It can be also used for preparing anti-biodeterioration paper for expected manuscripts uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]