Impact of the antifungal and antioxidant potential of monoterpenoids on the paper manuscripts with iron gall ink

This study presents a novel scientific approach for using the bioactive chemical compounds geraniol, β-linalool, and linalyl acetate as antioxidants against UV degradation and antifungals against Aspergillus fumigatus (AUMC16601) and Aspergillus terreus (AUMC16602). These offer paper manuscripts treatment and future protection against deterioration, fungal attacks, color changes, and the effects of UV aging. The compounds were investigated at various concentrations (50–4000 μL/mL) using the poultice method. The appropriate concentration to be applied was determined based on the results of numerous examinations and analyses, such as disc diffusion assay, scanning electron microscope with EDX analysis (SEM-EDX), transmission electron microscope (TEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), zeta potential, size dispersion, color change measurements, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). These techniques were also employed to demonstrate their effectiveness in achieving curative and preventive conservation of paper manuscripts with iron gall ink.