Antifungal Activity of Polyoxometalate-Ionic Liquids on Historical Brick

Moulds inhabiting mineral-based materials may cause their biodeterioration, contributing to inestimable losses, especially in the case of cultural heritage objects and architectures. Fungi in mouldy buildings may also pose a threat to human health and constitute the main etiological factor in building related illnesses. In this context, research into novel compounds with antifungal activity is of high importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of polyoxometalate-ionic liquids (POM-ILs) and their use in the eradication of moulds from historical brick. In the disc diffusion assay, all the tested POM-ILs inhibited growth of a mixed culture of moulds including Engyodontium album, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus fumigatus. These were isolated from the surfaces of historical brick barracks at the Auschwitz II-Birkenau State Museum in Oświęcim, Poland. POM-IL coatings on historical brick samples, under model conditions, showed that two compounds demonstrated very high antifungal activity, completely limiting mould growth and development. The antifungal activity of the POM-ILs appeared to stem from their toxic effects on conidia, as evidenced by environmental scanning transmission electron microscopy observations. The results herein indicated that POM-ILs are promising disinfectant materials for use not only on historical objects, but probably also on other mineral-based materials.

Isolation and identification of keratinophilic fungi in soil samples from excavation area of ancient city of Stratonikeia, Turkey and determination of its enzyme potentials

Aim: To isolate and identyfy keratinophilic fungi from soil samples excavated excavation area within the ancient city of Stratonikeia, Turkey and determination of their enzyme potentials. Stratonikeia, a city in the interior of Caria, located at Eskihisar Village, in the Yatagan district of Mugla province of Turkey. Methodology: Keratin bating technique was applied for isolating of dermatophytes and keratinophilic fungi. Fungal isolate were identified by phenotyping and genotyping methods. Screening of protease, keratinase, cellulose, lipase and cutinase enzyme was carried at solid medium. Results: Non-dermatophyte species, viz., Aspergillus fumigatus, Engyodontium album, Chrysosporium keratinophilum, Lecanicillium lecani and Purpureocillium lilacinum were identified. Protease, keratinase and cellulase were determined at moderate and high levels, while lipase and cutinase were not recorded. Interpretation: Non-dermatophyte strains having high keratinase, cellulase and protease activities are not only involved in pathogenesis, but also have a great ecological significance due to keratin degrading potential.

Indoor Damp Surfaces Harbor Molds with Clinical Significance

Background and Purposes: Fungal contamination in damp places in buildings has become an increasing problem worldwide. Dampness facilitates the growth of fungi, which can cause adverse effects not only on the buildings but also on their occupants. The aim of this study was to identify indoor mold species in the buildings of Kerman province, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this study, 110 samples were obtained from surfaces of damp indoor areas in buildings randomly selected in Kerman province. The identification of fungal species was based on the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the isolates, such as colony morphology, hyphae, conidia, and conidiophores, as well as molecular sequence data. Results: Based on the results, a total of 218 fungal isolates were obtained. Apart from frequently isolated fungi, such as Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Penicillium, 13 species, including Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Cladosporium herbarum, Cladosporium halotolerans, Engyodontium album, Collariella bostrychodes, Stachybotrys xigazenensis, Ramularia eucalypti, Fusarium merismoides, Fusarium solani, Ochroconis musae, Mucor racemosus, Acremonium zonatum, and Acremonium persicinum were identified, and the selected species were described. Among these 13 species, Cladosporium was the most common species (43%) in indoor surfaces, followed by Ochroconis musae (10.8%) and Engyodontium album (7.4%). To the best of our knowledge, Stachybotrys xigazenensis was reported in the present study for the first time in Iran. In addition, E. album and O. musae were isolated for the first time from indoor surfaces in Iran. Conclusion: According to the results, the level of overall fungal richness across indoor surfaces was high. Some of the isolated taxa were clinically significant. It was concluded that the damp residential surfaces were potentially passive collectors of clinically significant molds.

New Chromone, Isocoumarin, and Indole Alkaloid Derivatives from three Sponge-derived Fungal Strains

Two new chromone derivatives, 2-hydroxymethyl-3-methyl-7-methoxychromone (1) and 2-hydroxymethyl-3- tert-butyl-7-methoxychromone (2), together with a related known compound, 2,3-dimethyl-7-methoxychromone (3), were isolated from Rhinocladiella sp. (IO2), a fungus obtained from the sponge Ircinia oros. Furthermore, a new isocoumarin derivative, 3-(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl)-8-hydroxy-6-methoxy-isochromen-1-one (4) and a known analogue 3-[( R)-3,3-dichloro-2-hydroxypropyl]-8-hydroxy-6-methoxy-1 H-isochromen-1-one (dichlorodiaportin, 5), were identified from sponge-derived fungal strain Clonostachys sp. (AP4.1), while a new indole alkaloid 1-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)indole-3-carbaldehyde (6) was obtained from the sponge-derived fungus Engyodontium album (IVB1b). The structures of these compounds were established by NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric data analysis, as well as by comparison with literature reports. Compounds 4 and 6 were examined for cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities, respectively. None of them showed potent activity.