Academic thesis
| Ragna Krutzger: | Trials on the effects of different wavelengths of light on the growth process of Aspergillus glaucus | back |
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| Abstract: | Over the last 20 years a rise in microbial infestation on cultural objects has been observed, especially mold effecting sacral buildings and their interior furnishings. Filamentous fungi tend to react to a variety of environmental influences – among others to light. Research in the field of food technology has successfully demonstrated the (inhibitory) effects of blue LED lights on certain micro-organisms, for instance on Penicillium verrucosum. Building upon these insights the present master’s thesis studies the growth process of Aspergillus sp. with regard to its exposure to different wavelengths of light. Its objective is to help find biocide-free methods of treatment for infested cultural objects. For this purpose, a series of tests was undertaken in order to examine which light conditions stimulate or inhibit the growth of spores/conidia, or at best stop them from growing. Two mold fungi, Aspergillus versicolor and Eurotium herbariorum, were incubated in specifically modified climate boxes exposing them to different lighting situations [daylight (5237 K), darkness, red light (640 nm), green light (525 nm), blue light (465 nm) and yellow light (3024 K)]. After that, their growth behaviour was monitored over a certain period of time. The trail results prove that the examined micro-organisms do not depend upon light in order to be able to grow, but they also confirm that light actually can have both positive and negative effects on their development. Thus, the experiment showed that the exposure of Aspergillus versicolor and Eurotium herbariorum to green light (525 nm) results in a growth inhibition. Further, the results suggest that light regulates spore germination and factors in the development of asexual as well as sexual spores. |
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