The main challenge in controlling the microbiological contamination of historical paper is finding an adequate method that includes the use of cost-effective, harmless, and non-toxic biocides whose effectiveness is maintained over time and without adverse effects on cultural heritage and human health. Therefore, this study demonstrated the possibility of using a non-invasive method of historical paper conservation based on plant essential oils (EOs) application. Evaluation of antimicrobial effects of different EOs (lemongrass, oregano, rosemary, peppermint, and eucalyptus) was conducted against Cladosporium cladosporoides, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Penicillium chrysogenum, which are commonly found on archive papers. Using a mixture of oregano, lemongrass and peppermint in ratio 1:1:1, the lower minimal inhibition concentration (0.78%) and better efficiency during a vapour test at the highest tested distance (5.5 cm) compared with individual EOs was proven. At the final step, this EOs mixture was used in the in situ conservation of historical paper samples obtained from the Archives of Vojvodina. According to the SEM imaging, the applied EOs mixture demonstrates complete efficiency in the inhibition of fungi colonization of archive papers, since fungal growth was not observed on samples, unlike the control samples.
Keywords: essential oil application; fungal contamination; fungicide effect; paper biodegradation; paper conservation.