Assessing mold growth severity on various textiles: comparative analysis of inoculum densities and fungal strains

Abstract Mold growth on textiles during overseas shipping poses significant economic and health risks, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of fungal contamination dynamics. This study evaluated textile susceptibility to fungal contamination during transit by examining growth patterns, onset times, and determining minimum fungal densities for visible mold growth. Inoculations of six fungal strains (individual and pooled) were conducted at inoculum densities ranging from 102 to 106 spores/ml on various textile materials. The study comprised two phases: pilot growth (PG, with glucose) and Simulated Shipping Conditions (SSC, without glucose). PG yielded mycelial mats on textiles for all fungal strains except Penicillium citrinum and Stachybotrys chartarum. SSC exhibited variable susceptibilities, with cotton and suede highly susceptible and polyester, imitation suede, and polyurethane notably resistant to mycelial growth. Minimum fungal densities for visible mold growth were established for each textile based on SSC. The findings reveal distinct fungal susceptibilities among textiles, influenced by material composition and structure. Consistent growth on certain textiles at lower fungal densities highlights the need for targeted preventive measures. This research provides crucial insights for the manufacturing and shipping industries, guiding the development of effective mold prevention strategies and establishment of contamination limits during overseas transport.