Enzymes in Solvent Conditioned Poultices for the Removal of Starch-based Adhesives from Iron Gall Ink Corroded Manuscripts.

The article describes enzymes in solvent conditioned poultices for the removal of starch-based adhesives from iron gall ink corroded manuscripts. Conservation treatments such as linings and local repairs with starch paste, immersion in water or treatment in humidification chambers have accelerated the decomposition of paper caused by certain iron gall inks. In some cases the ink corrosion has spread, becoming visible as halos around the ink line or as a strike through image on the verso. As there are no valid tests available to determine all the effects of aqueous treatments on iron gall ink, it is necessary to minimize the risks in aqueous conservation treatments, specifically the removal of silk from iron gall ink corroded manuscripts.