Expert Witness Journal Issue 67 June/July 2026 - Flipbook - Page 118
The question is does Stachybotrys Chartarum
digest Polysaccharides once sodium is reduced
and nitrates are available to the mould within the
plaster?
Key Functions in Paint
•
•
•
•
•
Thickening and Rheology Modi昀椀cation:
Polysaccharides such as cellulose derivatives,
starches, and gums (e.g., xanthan, guar) are
used to adjust the viscosity of paint. This
improves application properties, making paint
easier to spread and reducing drips.
Stachybotrys chartarum is well known for its ability
to digest and grow on polysaccharide-rich materials,
especially cellulose.
Emulsi昀椀cation
and
Stability:
Special
polysaccharide resins (like Polyresin 100)
help emulsify and stabilise water in oil-based
paints, allowing for the incorporation of water
without compromising paint quality. This leads
to smoother, more uniform 昀椀lms and prevents
defects such as pinholes.
Key Points
•
Film Formation and Hardness: By interacting
with other resin components, polysaccharides
can enhance the hardness and durability of the
dried paint 昀椀lm.
Substrate Preference: Stachybotrys chartarum
thrives on materials that are high in cellulose,
a polysaccharide. This includes substances like
paper, drywall, wood, and other plant-based
materials commonly found in water-damaged
buildings.
•
Improved Application and Finish: Paints
containing polysaccharides often exhibit better
brushing qualities, smoother dried 昀椀lms, and
improved freeze-thaw stability.
Growth Requirements: The fungus requires
moisture and a source of cellulose to grow. It is
rarely found in nature but is commonly detected
in damp, cellulose-rich building materials.
•
Cellulolytic Activity: Stachybotrys chartarum
exhibits strong cellulolytic activity, meaning it
produces enzymes that break down cellulose
and other polysaccharides, allowing it to use
these as a food source.
Pigment Dispersion: Some polysaccharides
assist in wetting and stabilising pigments,
leading to more consistent colour and coverage.
Stachybotrys chartarum is a fungus that “eats” or
digests polysaccharides, especially cellulose, which
is why it is commonly found on water-damaged,
cellulose-rich materials in buildings. Its ability to
break down these complex carbohydrates is central
to its ecological role and its presence in indoor
environments.
Environmental and Economic Advantages
•
VOC
Reduction:
Polysaccharide-based
technologies allow manufacturers to reduce
volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making
paints more environmentally friendly and
compliant with regulations.
•
Bio-based and Renewable: Many polysaccharide
additives are derived from renewable resources,
such as agricultural waste, making them a
greener alternative to petroleum-based resins.
Sodium’s E昀昀ect on Stachybotrys
Chartarum and Polysaccharide Digestion
Cost Savings: Incorporating polysaccharides
can lower raw material costs while maintaining
or improving paint quality.
•
Stachybotrys chartarum is a fungus that
thrives on cellulose-rich, damp building
materials and is well known for its ability to
digest polysaccharides, especially cellulose.
•
Its growth and mycotoxin production are
in昀氀uenced by environmental factors such as
moisture, temperature, and nutrient availability.
•
What We Know About Stachybotrys chartarum
Typical Applications
•
•
Water-based and Solvent-based Paints:
Polysaccharides are used in both types, with
speci昀椀c formulations designed for enamels,
primers, stains, and specialty coatings.
Recent research using chemically de昀椀ned media
found that increasing concentrations of sodium
nitrate (a sodium-containing compound) actually
promoted mycelial growth, sporulation, and
mycotoxin production in Stachybotrys chartarum.
It is hypothesised that the it is in fact the nitrate
that enables the growth as the limiting factor
once sodium is leached and the nitrate remains as
a food source. In contrast, ammonium nitrate and
ammonium chloride had inhibitory e昀昀ects. Indeed,
this is the reason why Stachybotrys chartarum is
Specialty Coatings: Applications include 昀椀re
retardant coatings, sound insulation, and
temporary coatings.
Polysaccharides are multifunctional additives in
paint, o昀昀ering bene昀椀ts in application, performance,
and sustainability. Their use supports the
development of greener, more e昀케cient coatings for
a wide range of applications.
EXPERT WITNESS JOURNAL
116
JUNE 2026
