Moulds on cementitious building materials—problems, prevention and future perspectives

Campana, Raffaella; Sabatini, Luigia; Frangipani, Emanuela

doi:10.1007/s00253-019-10185-7

Mini-Review
Published: 04 December 2019

Moulds on cementitious building materials—problems, prevention and future perspectives

Raffaella Campana ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-2196-4274¹,
Luigia Sabatini¹ &
Emanuela Frangipani¹

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology volume 104, pages 509–514 (2020)Cite this article

373 Accesses
6 Citations
Metrics details

Abstract

Materials rich in organic and inorganic compounds, such as building materials or paints, represent an excellent substrate for the development of moulds. Several conditions affect mould’s growth on cementitious materials, such as nutrient and water availability, temperature, pH and moisture. Microorganisms, and especially moulds, attack these surfaces and contribute to their erosion, thereby reducing the life of the structure itself and negatively affecting human health through inhalation, ingestion and dermal contact with spores. Interventions are based on The European Communities Council Directive 89/106/EEC, that obliges the use of materials, products and building elements that are resistant to fungi and other forms of degradation, and that do not constitute a health risk for users and the environment. This mini-review summarises the current state of problems related to mould growth on cementitious building materials, emphasising new innovative approaches for limiting or contrasting their growth. In particular, the use of nanoparticles and the related nanomaterials as well as the potential use of new “biocides” from natural sources is discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

43,34 €

Price includes VAT (Finland)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

References

Acevedo MS, Puentes C, Carreño K, León JG, Stupak M, García M, Pérez M, Blustein G (2013) Antifouling paints based on marine natural products from Colombian Caribbean. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 83:97–104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2013.05.002
CAS Article Google Scholar
Adams RI, Bhangar S, Dannemiller KC, Eisen JA, Fierer N, Gilbert JA, Green JL, Marr LC, Miller SL, Siegel JA, Stephens B, Waring MS, Bibby K (2016) Ten questions concerning the microbiomes of buildings. Build Environ 109:224–234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2016.09.001
Article Google Scholar
Alexander M, Bertron A, De Belie N (2013) Performance of cement-based materials in aggressive aqueous environments, RILEM TC 211-PAE. Springer, Berlin
Book Google Scholar
Andersen B, Frisvad JC, Søndergaard I, Rasmussen IS, Larsen LS (2011) Associations between fungal species and water-damaged building materials. Appl Environ Microbiol 77:4180–4188. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.02513-10
CAS Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar
Banach M, Szczygłowska R, Pulit J, Bryk M (2014) Building materials with antifungal efficacy enriched with silver nanoparticles. Chem Sci J 5:1. https://doi.org/10.4172/2150-3494.1000085
Article Google Scholar
Bertron A (2014) Understanding interactions between cementitious materials and microorganisms: a key to sustainable and safe concrete structures in various contexts. Mater Struct 47:1787–1806. https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-014-0433-1
CAS Article Google Scholar
Bok G, Hallenberg N, Åberg O (2009) Mass occurrence of Penicillium corylophilum in crawl spaces, south Sweden. Build Environ 44:2413–2417. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2009.04.001
Article Google Scholar
Campana R, Sisti M, Sabatini L, Lucarini S (2019) Marine bisindole alkaloid 2,2-bis(6-bromo-3-indolyl)ethylamine to control and prevent fungal growth on building material: a potential antifungal agent. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-019-09895-9
CAS Article Google Scholar
Chen YC, Yu KP, Shao WC, Tseng CH, Pan WC (2017) Novel mold-resistant building materials impregnated with thermally reduced nano-silver. Indoor Air 28:276–286. https://doi.org/10.1111/ina.12443
CAS Article Google Scholar
Choi O, Deng KK, Kim NJ, Ross L Jr, Surampalli RY, Hu Z (2008) The inhibitory effects of silver nanoparticles, silver ions, and silver chloride colloids on microbial growth. Water Res 42(12):3066–3074. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2008.02.021
CAS Article PubMed Google Scholar
Chow NA, Toda M, Pennington AF, Anassi E, Atmar RL, Cox-Ganser JM, Da Silva J, Garcia B, Kontoyiannis DP, Ostrosky-Zeichner L, Leining LM, McCarty J, Al Mohajer M, Murthy BP, Park J-H, Schulte J, Shuford JA, Skrobarcek KA, Solomon S, Strysko J, Chiller TM, Jackson BR, Chew GL, Beer KD (2019) Hurricane-associated mold exposures among patients at risk for invasive mold infections after hurricane Harvey - Houston, Texas, 2017. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 21:469–473 US Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Article Google Scholar
Dannemiller KC, Mendell MJ, Macher JM, Kumagai K, Bradman A, Holland N, Harley K, Eskenazi B, Peccia J (2014) Next-generation DNA sequencing reveals that low fungal diversity in house dust is associated with childhood asthma development. Indoor Air 24(3):236–247. https://doi.org/10.1111/ina.12072
CAS Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar
De Pauw B, Walsh TJ, Donnelly JP, Stevens DA, Edwards JE, Calandra T, Pappas PG, Maertens J, Lortholary O, Kauffman CA, Denning DW, Patterson TF, Maschmeyer G, Bille J, Dismukes WE, Herbrecht R, Hope WW, Kibbler CC, Kullberg BJ, Marr KA, Muñoz P, Odds FC, Perfect JR, Restrepo A, Ruhnke M, Segal BH, Sobel JD, Sorrell TC, Viscoli C, Wingard JR, Zaoutis T, Bennett JE (2008) European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) Consensus Group. Revised definitions of invasive fungal disease from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) Consensus Group. Clin Infect Dis 46:1813–1821. https://doi.org/10.1086/588660
Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar
Dillavou CL, Herrera J, Omodon ME (2007) The sporocidal and sporostatic effect of sodium polyborate and boron-treated cellulose insulation on common indoor fungal species. Micol Apl Int 19(2):35–49
Google Scholar
Do J, Song H, So H, Soh Y (2005) Antifungal effects of cement mortars with two types of organic antifungal agents. Cem Concr Res 35:371–376. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2004.06.021
CAS Article Google Scholar
El-Hossary EM, Cheng C, Hamed MM, El-Sayed Hamed AN, Ohlsen K, Hentschel U, Abdelmohsen UR (2017) Antifungal potential of marine natural products. Eur J Med Chem 126:631–651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.11.022
CAS Article PubMed Google Scholar
Flannigan B, Miller JD (2011) Microbial growth in indoor environments. In: Flannigan B, Samson RA, Miller JD (eds) Microorganisms in home and indoor work environments. Diversity, health impacts, investigation and control, 2nd edn, CRC Press LLC, New York, pp 57–107
Giannantonio DJ, Kurth JC, Kurtis KE, Sobecky PA (2009) Effects of concrete properties and nutrients on fungal colonization and fouling. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 63(3):252–259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2008.10.002
CAS Article Google Scholar
Gómez-Ortíz N, De la Rosa-García S, González-Gómez W, Soria-Castro M, Quintana P, Oskam G, Ortega-Morales B (2013) Antifungal coatings based on Ca(OH)₂ mixed with ZnO/TiO₂ nanomaterials for protection of limestone monuments. Appl Mater Interfaces 5:1556–1565. https://doi.org/10.1021/am302783h
CAS Article Google Scholar
Gutarowska B, Czyzowska A (2009) The ability of filamentous fungi to produce acids on indoor building materials. Ann Microbiol 59:807–813
CAS Article Google Scholar
Healthy Housing Reference Manual (2006) US Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Atlanta
Helbling A, Reimers A (2003) Immunotherapy in fungal allergy. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 3:447–453
Article Google Scholar
Herrera J (2005) Assessment of fungal growth on sodium polyborate-treated cellulose insulation. J Occup Environ Hyg 2(12):626–632. https://doi.org/10.1080/15459620500377667
CAS Article PubMed Google Scholar
Hofbauer W, Kreuger N, Breuer K, Sedlbauer K, Schoch T (2008) Mould resistance assessment of building materials – material specific isopleth systems for practical application. International Conference of Indoor Air Quality and Climate, Copenhagen
Google Scholar
Holtz RD, Lima BA, Souza Filho AG, Brocchi M, Alves OL (2012) Nanostructured silver vanadate as a promising antibacterial additive to water-based paints. Nanomedicine 8:935–940. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nano.2011.11.012
CAS Article PubMed Google Scholar
Hyvärinen A, Meklin T, Vepsäläinen A, Nevalainen A (2002) Fungi and actinobacteria in moisture-damaged building materials - concentrations and diversity. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 49:27–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0964-8305(01)00103-2
Article Google Scholar
Ji X, Guo J, Liu Y, Lu A, Wang Z, Li Y, Yang S, Wang Q (2018) Marine-natural-product development: first discovery of nortopsentin alkaloids as novel antiviral, anti-phytopathogenic- fungus, and insecticidal agents. J Agric Food Chem 66:4026–4072. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.8b00507
CAS Article Google Scholar
Johansson P, Samuelson I, Ekstrand-Tobin A, Mjörnell, K, Sandberg PI, Sikander E (2005) Microbiological growth on building materials – critical moisture levels. State of the art. SP Swedish National Testing and Research Institute. SP Report, 2005:11
Johansson P, Ekstrand-Tobin A, Svensson T, Bok G (2012) Laboratory study to determine the critical moisture level for mould growth on building materials. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 73:23–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2012.05.014
Article Google Scholar
Kanchongkittiphon W, Mendell MJ, Gaffin JM, Wang G, Phipatanakul W (2015) Indoor environmental exposures and exacerbation of asthma: an update to the 2000 review by the institute of medicine. Environ Health Perspect 123(1):6–20. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1307922
CAS Article PubMed Google Scholar
Kasprowicz MJ, Kozioł M, Gorczyca A (2010) The effect of silver nanoparticles on phytopathogenic spores of Fusarium culmorum. Can J Microbiol 56:247–253. https://doi.org/10.1139/W10-012
CAS Article PubMed Google Scholar
Kelman D, Kashman Y, Rosenberg E, Ilan M, Ifrach I, Loya Y (2001) Antimicrobial activity of the reef sponge Amphimedon viridis from the Red Sea: evidence for selective toxicity. Aquat Microb Ecol 24:9–16. https://doi.org/10.3354/ame024009
Article Google Scholar
Kumar A, Vemula PK, Ajayan PM, John G (2008) Silver-nanoparticle-embedded antimicrobial paints based on vegetable oil. Nat Mater 7:236–241. https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat2099
CAS Article PubMed Google Scholar
Leemann A, Lothenbach B, Hoffmann C (2010) Biologically induced concrete deterioration in a wastewater treatment plant assessed by combining microstructural analysis with thermodynamic modelling. Cem Concr Res 40(8):1157–1164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2010.03.007
CAS Article Google Scholar
Łowińska-Kluge A, Horbik D, Zgoła-Grześkowiak A, Stanisz E, Górski Z (2017) A comprehensive study on the risk of biocorrosion of building materials. Corros Eng Sci Techn 52:13–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/1478422X.2016.1174326
Article Google Scholar
Luter H, Duckworth A (2010) Influence of size and spatial competition on the bioactivity of coral reef sponges. Biochem Syst Ecol 38:146–153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bse.2009.12.024
CAS Article Google Scholar
Marambio-Jones C, Hoek EM (2010) A review of the antibacterial effects of silver nanomaterials and potential implications for human health and the environment. J Nanopart Res 12:1531–1551. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-010-9900-y
CAS Article Google Scholar
McDaniel CS, McDaniel J, Wales ME, Wild JR (2006) Enzyme-based additives for paints and coatings. Prog Org Coat 55:181–188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.porgcoat.2005.09.013
CAS Article Google Scholar
Miklaszewska B, Grajewski J (2005) Pathogenic and allergic moulds in human environment. Alergia 2:45–50
Google Scholar
Mniszek W, Rogiński J (2012) Construction faults the cause mold building accommodation. http://studia.wszop.edu.pl/obrazki/cms/2689 Access: 2012.11.22
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2017) Microbiomes of the built environment: a research agenda for indoor microbiology, human health, and buildings. The National Academies Press, Washington, DC. https://doi.org/10.17226/23647
Book Google Scholar
Netz N, Opatz T (2015) Marine indole alkaloids. Mar Drugs 13:4814–4914. https://doi.org/10.3390/md13084814
CAS Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar
Nielsen KF, Holm G, Uttrup LP, Nielsen PA (2004) Mould growth on building materials under low water activities: Influence of humidity and temperature on fungal growth and secondary metabolism. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 54:325–336. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2004.05.002
CAS Article Google Scholar
Nunez M, Hammer H (2014) Microbial specialists in below-grade foundation walls in Scandinavia. Indoor Air 24(5):543–551. https://doi.org/10.1111/ina.12095
CAS Article PubMed Google Scholar
Ogar A, Tylko G, Turnau K (2015) Antifungal properties of silver nanoparticles against indoor mould growth. Sci Total Environ 521–522:305–314. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.03.101
CAS Article PubMed Google Scholar
Pasanen AL, Kasanen JP, Rautiala S, Ikäheimo M, Rantamäki J, Kääriäinen H, Kalliokoski P (2000) Fungal growth and survival in building materials under fluctuating moisture and temperature conditions. Int Biodeterior Biodegradation 46:117–127
Article Google Scholar
Pauletti PM, Cintra LS, Braguine CG, Da Silva Filho AA, Andrade e Silva ML, Cunha WR, Januário AH (2010) Halogenated indole alkaloids from marine invertebrates. Mar Drugs 8:1526–1549
CAS Article Google Scholar
Ponizovskaya VB, Rebrikova NL, Kachalkin AV, Antropova AB, Bilanenko EN, Mokeeva VL (2019) Micromycetes as colonizers of mineral building materials in historic monuments and museums. Fungal Biol 123(4):290–306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.funbio.2019.01.002
CAS Article PubMed Google Scholar
Prescott LM, Harley JP, Klein DA (2003) Microbiologie. De Boeck Superieur, Brussels
Google Scholar
Pulit J, Banach M, Szczyglowska R, Bryk M (2013) Nanosilver against fungi. Silver nanoparticles as an effective biocidal factor. Acta Biochim Pol 60:795–798
PubMed Google Scholar
Ruzicka R, Gleason D (2009) Sponge community structure and anti-predator defenses on temperate reefs of the South Atlantic Bight. J Exp Mar Biol Ecol 380:36–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2009.08.011
Article Google Scholar
Salem MZM, Zidan YE, Mansour MMA, El Hadidi NMN, Abo Elgat WAA (2015) Antifungal activities of two essential oils used in the treatment of three commercial woods deteriorated by five common mold fungi. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 106:88–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2015.10.010
CAS Article Google Scholar
Sanchez-Silva M, Rosowsky D (2008) Biodeterioration of construction materials: state of the art and future challenges. J Mater Civ Eng 20:352–365. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0899-1561(2008)20:5(352)
CAS Article Google Scholar
Shen S, Liu D, Wei C, Proksch P, Lin W (2012) Purpuroines A–J, halogenated alkaloids from the sponge Iotrochota purpurea with antibiotic activity and regulation of tyrosine kinases. Bioorg Med Chem 20:6924–6928
CAS Article Google Scholar
Shinkafi SA, Haruna I (2013) Microorganisms associated with deteriorated desurface painted concrete buildings within Sokoto, Nigeria. Int J Curr Microbiol App Sci 2:314–324
Google Scholar
Suchorab Z, Frąc M, Guz Ł, Oszust K, Łagód G, Gryta A, Bilińska-Wielgus N, Czerwiński J (2019) A method for early detection and identification of fungal contamination of building materials using e-nose. PLoS One 14:e0215179 https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0215179
CAS Article Google Scholar
Verdier T, Coutand M, Bertron A, Roques C (2014) A review of indoor microbial growth across building materials and sampling and analysis methods. Build Environ 80:136–149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2014.05.030
Article Google Scholar
Wales ME, McDaniel CS, Everett AL, Rawlins JW, Blanton MD, Busquets A, Wild JR, Gonzolez CF (2006) Next generation antimicrobial additives for reactive surface coatings. Paint Coat Ind 22:62–70
Google Scholar
Wang D, Cullimore R, Hu Y, Chowdhury R (2011) Biodeterioration of asbestos cement (AC) pipe in drinking water distribution systems. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 65(6):810–817
CAS Article Google Scholar
Wei S, Jiang Z, Liu H, Zhou D, Sanchez-Silva M (2013) Microbiologically induced deterioration of concrete - a review. Braz J Microbiol 44:1001–1007. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1517-83822014005000006
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Wells T, Melchers RE (2014) An observation-based model for corrosion of concrete sewers under aggressive conditions. Cem Concr Res 61–62:1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2014.03.013
CAS Article Google Scholar
Whiley H, Gaskin S, Schroder T, Ross K (2018) Antifungal properties of essential oils for improvement of indoor air quality: a review. Rev Environ Health 33(1):63–76. https://doi.org/10.1515/reveh-2017-0023
CAS Article PubMed Google Scholar
Wiktor V, Grosseau P, Guyonnet R, Garcia-Diaz E, Lors C (2011) Accelerated weathering of cementitious matrix for the development of an accelerated laboratory test of biodeterioration. Mater Struct 44(3):623–640. https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-010-9653-1
CAS Article Google Scholar
Zhang X, Sahlberg B, Wieslander G, Janson C, Gislason T, Norback D (2012) Dampness and moulds in workplace buildings: associations with incidence and remission of sick building syndrome (SBS) and biomarkers of inflammation in a 10-year follow-up study. Sci Total Environ 430:75–81
CAS Article Google Scholar
Zhang Z, Yang T, Mi N, Wang Y, Li G, Wang L, Xie Y (2016) Antifungal activity of monoterpenes against wood white-rot fungi. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 106:157–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2015.10.018
CAS Article Google Scholar
Zielecka M, Bujnowska E, Kȩpska B, Wenda M, Piotrowska M (2011) Antimicrobial additives for architectural paints and impregnates. Prog Org Coat 72:193–201. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.porgcoat.2011.01.012
CAS Article Google Scholar
Żukiewicz-Sobczak W, Sobczak P, Krasowska E, Zwoliński J, Chmielewska-Badora J, Galińska EM (2013) Allergenic potential of moulds isolated from buildings. Ann Agric Environ Med 20:500–503
PubMed Google Scholar

Download references

Author information

Affiliations

Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and Hygiene, University of Urbino, Via S. Chiara 27, 61029, Urbino (PU), Italy
Raffaella Campana, Luigia Sabatini & Emanuela Frangipani

Authors

Raffaella Campana
View author publications
You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar
Luigia Sabatini
View author publications
You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar
Emanuela Frangipani
View author publications
You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Raffaella Campana.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

Additional information

Publisher’s note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Campana, R., Sabatini, L. & Frangipani, E. Moulds on cementitious building materials—problems, prevention and future perspectives. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 104, 509–514 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-019-10185-7

Download citation

Received: 08 July 2019
Revised: 26 September 2019
Accepted: 08 October 2019
Published: 04 December 2019
Issue Date: January 2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-019-10185-7

Keywords

Building cementitious materials
Mould growth
Human health
Innovative approaches