I've isolated many xerophilic molds, mostly from caves around the US. As the article stated, the most you can do is spray ethanol on the article and wipe it down. That'll kill most microbes and prevent sporulation.

I'll have to think on this but I don't think there are any easy solutions other than just routinely cleaning and decontaminating the articles (at least the ones that can tolerate it).

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0xDEAFBEAD an hour ago | parent | next [-]

Is there any reason not to do heavy-duty air filtration?

How about keeping each item in its own airtight plastic case?

How about both of the above?

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adastra22 15 minutes ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Irradiate it?

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modeless 3 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

How about gamma irradiation?

	▲	sanjayjc 2 hours ago \| parent [-]
		Mentioned in the article as having limited applicability: "When a mold’s takeover of an artifact must be stopped, there’s gamma radiation—pelting it with electromagnetic energy from radioactive decay to kill fungi and spores. But this technique penetrates deeply and can extensively damage materials."

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kevindamm 4 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

Would a high enough dose of UV also work? I suppose it would ruin most pigmentation too, though.

	▲	joshuamcginnis 4 hours ago \| parent [-]
		Exactly. UV would definitely work but is also destructive to many kinds of items.