Keratinophilic fungi

In detail

Protein fibres such as wool and silk are described by the conservation guidance as less susceptible to microbial attack than cellulosic ones, and the qualifier that follows is the important part: keratinophilic fungi will feed on and damage them as well. The word means keratin-loving, and keratin is the structural protein of wool, hair and horn. That places a real limit on a comfortable assumption. Wool's reputation for resisting damp comes from its ability to hold moisture without feeling wet, and the fibre's own chemistry does slow attack — but a damp wool garment stored in a dark, still cupboard is a host, not an exception. The distinction matters most for storage. The conditions the guidance names apply: growth above 50 per cent relative humidity, rapid spread above 80 per cent, and poor air circulation making it worse. And the cleanliness factor applies with force, because microorganisms often begin growth on soilants and textile auxiliaries rather than on the fibre — so a wool item put away with perspiration or food soil on it is stored with the starter already in place.

Why

• Keratinophilic fungi is explained by Organic load
• Keratinophilic fungi is explained by Protein denaturation

Aftercare and prevention

• Machine washing helps prevent Keratinophilic fungi