Growth effectivity of molds in contact with methylxanthines

Abstract

Molds on buildings can cause health- and aesthetic problems. Looking for suitable cheap and non-toxic substances to eliminate them is therefore an actual task. In the present study, effect of three selected methylxanthines (1,3,7-trimethylpurine-2,6-dione, 3,7-dihydro-3,7-dimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione and 1,3-dimethylxanthine) on growth of non-specific species of molds occurring on building materials were tested on agar medium under laboratory conditions. The chemical substances were dissolved in distilled water and applied into agar. Solid agar has been exposed to air molds for 24 hours. Agar plates were then covered with lids and placed for 5 days in a laboratory thermostat at stable test conditions (dark place, 25 °C). After that, the mycelium was observed. The results showed that 3,7-dihydro-3,7-dimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione and 1,3- dimethylxanthine were not effective against the molds growth. On the other hand, 1,3,7-trimethylpurine-2,6-dione was able to eliminate mold growth on agar medium at a concentration of 1 g∙l-1 or higher.