These techniques could be adapted to help gauge the effects of water on the conformation of albumen proteins molecules. Mechanical studies of cast albumen films would also help establish the rheological behavior of the albumen proteins when exposed to water or water vapor. The extent of cracking has important implications for the appearance, preservation and treatment of the photograph. Cracked albumen will scatter, rather than transmit a larger proportion of light, causing maximum image densities to loose intensity and depth. A highly cracked albumen layer is more vulnerable to image loss caused by abrasion.
Cracks collect dirt, which is particularly disfiguring to highlight image areas.
Cracks also expose a far greater surface area of protein and image silver to the detrimental effects of the environment. The washing of albumen prints is a treatment adapted from both photographic processing and paper conservation. Initial evidence suggests such aqueous treatment of albumen prints is somewhat effective in decreasing overall print yellowing. Current research, in progress at the Conservation Analytical Laboratory, will, address this issue so that a photographic conservator can better balance the benefits of aqueous treatments against the drawbacks. Effects of the presence of water on lysozyme conformation.