Nanotechnology on wood: The effect of photocatalytic nanocoatings against Aspergillus niger

Fungi play a primary role in wood decay, including building and historical surfaces. Over the last years, nanotechnology has been used to preserve different type of surfaces from biodeterioration caused by the development of biological contaminants. In this study, photocatalytic titanium dioxide (TiO2) based nanocompounds (also containing silver and copper) were brushed on wood surfaces to evaluate biocidal ability against the development of soft-rot fungus Aspergillus niger. Five different nanotreatments were applied on two types of wood (softwood and hardwood). Compatibility with wooden substrates has been assessed using colorimetry. Antifungal capability of metallic nanotreatments was quantitatively evaluated considering different parameters: microscopic observation, chromatic variation, reflectance change and mould extent. Even though photocatalytic nanotreatments inhibited A. niger development only partially, they seem to be a promising tool to reduce harmful mould development and to better preserve wooden artefacts.