Antimicrobial Activity of Medicinal Compounds Produced by Fungal Degradation of Soybean Oil Using Lignocellulose Biomass as Surface

Methyl esters were produced by fungal degradation of soybean oil using banana leaves as surface. Analysis of the products also revealed medicinal compounds (Benzyl Benzoate obtained from the banana leaves used as surface for the fungal degradation of the soybean oil and 1, 2-Benzene dicarboxylic acid dioctyl ester obtained from the soybean oil impurities). Microorganism activity test was carried out on the medicinal compounds to confirm their antibacterial and antifungal activity. The result showed that both had antibacterial and antifungal activity as shown by the zones of inhibition and as a result can find useful applications in food processing and preservation as well as agriculture as pest/disease control agents.

Trichoderma reesei fungal degradation boosted the potentiality of date pit extract in fighting scopolamine-induced neurotoxicity in male rats

Date pits are nutritious by-products, containing high levels of indigestible carbohydrates and polyphenols. To maximize the biological effects of the active ingredients, the hard shell of the polysaccharide must be degraded. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the protective potentials of date pits extract (DP) and fungal degraded date pits extract (FDDP) against scopolamine (SCO)-induced neurodegeneration in male rats. Date pits were subjected to fungal degradation and extraction, followed by the measurement of phytochemicals and free radical scavenging activities. Forty-two adult Sprague–Dawley male rats were divided into seven groups: three control groups administered with either saline, DP or FDDP; four groups with neurodegeneration receiving SCO (ip 2 mg/kg/day, SCO group) with no treatment, SCO with DP (oral 100 mg/kg/day, DP + SCO group), SCO with FDDP (oral, 100 mg/kg/day, FDDP + SCO group), and SCO with donepezil (DON, oral, 2.25 mg/kg/day, DON + SCO group). The treatment duration was 28 days, and in the last 14 days, SCO was administered daily. Morris water maze test, acetylcholine esterase activity, oxidative stress, markers of inflammation and amyloidogenesis, and brain histopathology were assessed.

An analytical study on the relationship between the fungal degradation and multi-component nature of paper manuscripts

Purpose This paper aims to identify the most common fungal species that grow on paper manuscripts and cause bio-deterioration. It also detects the impact of additive materials on fungal degrading and builds a wide database. Thus, it helps conservators understand this phenomenon. Design/methodology/approach In total, 15 samples were collected from different paper manuscripts suffering from fungi. The achievement of the study objectives depends on using a variety of analyzes, such as a microbiological study, which indicated that three main fungi grew on the paper samples. Then, a digital microscope and an environmental scanning electron microscope were used to detect the effect of fungi on paper fibers. Fourier transform infrared microscopy was used to identify the binding medium and the X-ray diffraction method was used to measure the crystallinity index of cellulose of the paper samples. Findings Arabic gum was used as a binder medium with the samples. Aspergillus Niger, Aspergillus Fumigatus and Aspergillus Clavatus were the most common fungal species that grew on the Qur’an papers under investigation. They also caused much common damage to the paper samples. The results of the analyzes also showed that the highest crystallinity index of cellulose was in the samples that contained the lowest rate of fungal growth. Originality/value This paper highlights the relationship between fungal degradation and the multi-component nature of paper manuscripts. It builds a wide database that correlates the composition and the degradation of the Qur’an papers.

Effect of fungal degradation on technological properties of carbon nanotubes reinforced polypropylene/rice straw composites

Effects of fungal decay period on the technological properties of polypropylene/rice straw composites reinforced with different amount of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were evaluated in this research work. The composite specimens were prepared using an internal mixer followed by compression molding. The specimens were then subjected to the fungal decay using white-rot fungus ( Coriolus versicolor) for 1, 2, 3, and 4 months. The degree of fungal attack was recorded by determining the weight loss of the specimens. The physical and mechanical properties including water uptake, flexural strength, and impact strength (IS) were investigated. The results indicated that the weight loss of the specimens was significantly reduced by increasing the CNT loading levels. The weight loss ratio of the specimens with the CNT was lower than that of the specimens without the CNT. The modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and IS of the specimens exposed to the fungal degradation increased in the presence of CNT. Furthermore, the decayed specimens without CNT had higher water uptake than those of the specimens with CNT. This was attributed to the decrease in the number of cavities on the surface of the composites containing CNT. Based on the findings obtained from the present study, it was concluded that the amount of the CNT should be considered according to the severity and duration of the fungal exposure.

Influence of the Chitosan and Rosemary Extract on Fungal Biodegradation of Some Plasticized PLA-Based Materials

The fungal degradation of the complex polymeric systems based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and natural bioactive compounds (chitosan and powdered rosemary alcoholic extract) was studied. Two fungal strains, Chaetomium globosum and Phanerochaete chrysosporium were tested. Both fungi characteristics and changes in morphology, structure and thermal properties were monitored. Biochemical parameters as superoxide dismutase, catalase, soluble protein and malondialdehyde have been determined at different time periods of fungal degradation. The fungi extracellular enzyme activities are slightly decreased in the case of composites containing bioactive compounds. The presence of natural compounds in the PLA-based polymeric system determines an acceleration of fungal degradation and probably the chemical hydrolysis, which further helps the attachment of fungi on the surface of polymeric samples. Significant decreases in average molecular mass of the polymeric samples were observed by fungi action; accompanied by structural changes, increase in crystallinity and decrease of thermal properties and the loss of the physical integrity and finally to degradation and integration of fungal degradation products into environmental medium. It was found that both fungi tested are efficient for PLA-based materials degradation, the most active from them being Chaetomium globosum fungus.