Study on the biological hazards and control measures of the Dunhuang manuscripts

Abstract

The Dunhuang manuscripts are world-renowned precious paper cultural relics, and it is necessary to conduct research on the prevention and control of harmful biological hazards. Taking 6 Dunhuang manuscripts as the research object, through appearance observation, data measurement and literature review, the paper material characteristics are analyzed, and the types of microorganisms on its surface are collected, cultivated and identified, and the cellulolytic ability of the Penicillium strains in them is determined. The spore germination rate of Penicillium at different temperatures was measured, and the effect of low temperature on Penicillium harming paper relics was analyzed. The results showed that the 6 Dunhuang manuscripts were made of hemp paper and thin white paper from the Tang Dynasty to the Song Dynasty. A total of 12 bacteria species and 1 fungus species were isolated and identified. Among them, Penicillium has the ability to decompose cellulose on paper, which is the main harmful microorganism to the Dunhuang manuscripts, low temperature can significantly reduce the germination rate of Penicillium, so low-temperature refrigeration technology can be used to effectively inhibit the damage of Penicillium to paper cultural relics.