Vol. 2, Issue 7, Part A (2016)

Abstract
Biodeterioration is “any undesirable change in the properties of a material caused by the vital activities of the organisms” A study was undertaken to find out the microflora associated with the library environment, decaying books and papers. Microflora were isolated on Nutrient Agar and Potato Dextrose Agar by using Air Trapping Method and Biodeterioration paper part technique. Total 11 bacteria and 8 fungi were isolated, out of which Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus were the predominant bacteria where as Aspergillus spp. Were the mostly found associated fungi. Both bacteria and fungi shows positive activity of Cellulase degradation. Approaches were done to control microbial growth by modification of ink i.e. by making combination of pen and printer ink with different dyes Lactophenol Cotton Blue and Gentian violet in different ratio. The best result was obtained by using pen ink with Lactophenol Cotton Blue and printer ink with Lactophenol Cotton Blue to both fungi and bacteria.