After hearing papers delivered by Christina Meier-Wolff ("How clean is my
object? The bio- luminescence measurement (ATP/AMP) -- Method, practice and
opportunities") and Bogdan Filip Zerek (et al.) ("Microbiological sampling of
library objects: Comparison of impress, dry swab and ATP methods") at the IADA
Congress in Berlin in 2015, the paper lab at the Canadian Conservation
Institute (CCI) began experimenting with the use of a Lumitester PD-30 to
monitor ATP/AMP (adenosine triphosphate and adenosine monophosphate) levels
during mould remediation treatments on a variety of substrates. These rapid
hygiene monitoring devices are largely used in medical and food-safety
circumstances, and so require certain adaptations to use in our cultural
heritage collections (particularly on porous substrates).
We're interested in exploring both other devices available on the market that
track ATP or ATP/ADP/AMP, as well as other devices tracking different
biomarkers for mould. A second device or testing method could be useful in
confirming false positives or false negatives, as well as to compare
benchmarking for cleaning efficacy. One device we've been considering is the
Mycometer Surface which tracks β-N-acetylhexosaminidase (NAHA) activity. Before
delving further into these technologies, however, we'd be interested to hear if
others have had experience with such devices/testing. Has anyone tested a
Mycometer Surface(r) or other device? Are ATP or other microbiological testers
in use in cultural heritage contexts?
We're interested both in the possibilities and the limitations of such devices,
as rapid surface testing results can only be so reliable! I'm also happy to
discuss our experiences to date with the Lumitester PD-30 and the Luci-pac pen
swab system.
Crystal Maitland
Conservator, Works of art on paper
Canadian Conservation Institute, Department of Canadian Heritage / Government
of Canada
[email protected] / Tel: 613-998-3721 ext 245 / Fax: 613-998-4721 /
(Toll free in Canada) 1-866-998-3721 / TTY (toll-free) 1-888-997-3123
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