Phosphonium-based ionic liquids as antifungal agents for conservation of heritage sandstone

With a view to preventing fungal deterioration of historical stone artworks, we report the use of phosphonium-based ionic liquids (ILs) as potent antifungal agents against dematiaceous fungi commonly found on heritage stones.

Fungal Contamination and Aflatoxin B1 Detected in Hay for Dairy Cows in South Italy

The growth of filamentous fungi on fodder is recognized as responsible for fungal deterioration and mycotoxin contamination of the plant mass leads to economic losses in the dairy cow production system. Mycotoxin contamination has significant implications for human and animal health and is one of the major concerns in the food and feed chain. This research provides an insight into the variety of viable molds (i.e., filamentous microfungi) that can be isolated from hay produced in South Italy and destined to dairy cows. On different lots of hay (n = 55) collected from 20 dairy farms, a total of 33 different fungal species were identified. The most representative was Cladosporium cladosporioides (n = 46, 84%) followed by Alternaria alternata (n = 25, 45%), and Rhizopus stolonifer (n = 24, 44%). The species most closely related to aflatoxin (AF) contamination, Aspergillus flavus, was often isolated (n = 11, 20%). Regarding AF detection, all the hay samples were found to be scarcely contaminated by AFB1 and showed values from 0.0020 to 0.0077 mg/kg, below the limits established by European Union (EU legislation) (0.02 mg/kg). None of the samples were positive for Aspergillia and tested for AFB1 showed results exceeding established limits. Additionally, hay with moisture between 15.0 and 19.2% or crude ash on dry matter content ranging from 14.0 to 15.5% reported an increased presence of AFB1 (p < 0.05) compared to the other samples. All the analyzed hay samples, besides the presence of molds, can be considered safe for the presence of AFB1. Prevention of mold spoilage is mandatory to reduce the exposure of humans and animals to mycotoxins.

FUNGAL DETERIORATION OF LEMON (CITRUS LIMON BURN F.) AND VITAMIN C CONTENT OF INFECTED FRUITS FROM KEFFI, NASARAWA STATE

This study was carried out in Keffi Metropolis to evaluate fungi associated with the deterioration of lemon (Citrus limonBurn F.) and the vitamin C content of the infected fruits. The lemon fruit samples were obtained from four selected marketing centres in Keffi metropolis. These includes Keffii main market, AngwanLambu, AngwanKaje and Angwan Fulani respectively. Out of 48 samples of lemon fruits examined, 34 had fungal species while 14 had no fungal species. The fungal analysis showed that Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stoloniferand Penicillium digitatumwere associated with the spoilt lemon fruits (C. limon) with frequencies of occurrence of 61.76%, 17.65% and 20.59% respectively. Some fresh lemon fruits stored at a temperature of 25oC and 30oC showed no sign of decay. The incidence of fungal species in lemon fruits from the different sampling markets include Keffi main market (26.47%), AngwanLambu (20.59%), AngwanKaje (29.41%) and Angwan Fulani (23.53%)respectively. There is no significant difference (P>0.05) between species of fungi isolated from different sources (markets) in Keffi. Pathogenicity test showed that Penicillium digitatumwas not a mere contaminant of lemon fruits but a primarily causative organism (80%) followed by Rhizopus stolonifer(60%) and Aspergillus niger(60%). Vitamins C content of both the infected and uninfected lemon fruits showed that infected fruits gave 31.37mg/100ml of vitamin C while the uninfected fruits gave 32.47mg/100ml vitamin C. Consumption of deteriorated lemon fruits should be discouraged.

Bio-Packaging Material Impact on Blueberries Quality Attributes under Transport and Marketing Conditions

Blueberries are highly appreciated for their high antioxidant content but are also particularly susceptible to fungal deterioration. In this work, corn starch and chitosan, byproducts of the fishing industry, as well as active compounds obtained from citrus processing waste were used to obtain active biodegradable film packaging. Blueberries were packed in corn starch–chitosan (CS:CH) films and in active films containing lemon essential oil (LEO) or grapefruit seed extract (GSE). The effects of film packaging on the quality parameters of berries and the fungal incidence of disease during storage were studied and compared to benchmark materials. A conservation assay simulating transport and commercialization conditions was conducted. Blueberries packed in CS:CH films showed antioxidant capacity values closer to those packed in commercial PET containers (Clamshells), preserving 84.8% of the initial antioxidants content. Fruit packed in LEO films exhibited the greatest weight loss and rot incidence, and poor surface color. CS:CH and GSE films controlled the fruit respiration rate and weight loss, therefore they are materials with adequate barrier properties for blueberries conservation. Bags formulated with GSE showed adequate barrier properties to maintain fruit quality attributes without the incidence of rottenness, being an interesting option for blueberries exportation.

Biocidal Potential of Plants Extracts Against Wood-Degrading Microbes and Their In-Vitro Application on Wood: As Promising Wood Natural Preservatives

Background: Besides the increasing demand of wooden articles, there is a burning issue of microbial attack which affects the aesthetics of wood. Thus it is a current concern to protect the wooden articles from both fungal and bacterial attack by using toxin free preservatives. Results: Powder of Calotropis procera (leaves), Curcuma zedoaria (rhizome) and Swertia chirata (whole plant) was extracted with solvents like methanol, ethanol and chloroform and then the qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out, which exhibited the presence of different secondary metabolites. These extracts were also evaluated against wood degrading microbes (Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger) isolated from decaying wood. Our study demonstrated that the ethanol extract of S. chairata showed highest bactericidal potential against E.coli (19.0mm) and A. flavus (19.33mm). This study also revealed that S. chirata exhibited strongest biocidal spectrum of action followed by C. procera and C. zedaira. It was observed that laminated veneer treated with ethanol extract of S. chirata showed strong bactericidal potential against E.coli (82.67mm). On the other hand Syzygium cumini wood treated with ethanol extract of C. zedoaria exhibited high antibacterial potential against P. aeruginosa (58.0mm). The active plant extracts showed MIC's ranged from 3.6 to 6.0 mg/ml and MBC/MFC of 4.8 and 8.4 mg/ml. Conclusion: The results demonstrated the potential effects of selected plant extracts as a natural preservative that can protect wood from bacterial and fungal deterioration. The extracts can be applied to prevent furniture deterioration and raw wood protection.

Discovery of (meth)acrylate polymers that resist colonization by fungi associated with pathogenesis and biodeterioration

Fungi have major, negative socioeconomic impacts, but control with bioactive agents is increasingly restricted, while resistance is growing. Here, we describe an alternative fungal control strategy via materials operating passively (i.e., no killing effect). We screened hundreds of (meth)acrylate polymers in high throughput, identifying several that reduce attachment of the human pathogen Candida albicans, the crop pathogen Botrytis cinerea, and other fungi. Specific polymer functional groups were associated with weak attachment. Low fungal colonization materials were not toxic, supporting their passive, anti-attachment utility. We developed a candidate monomer formulation for inkjet-based 3D printing. Printed voice prosthesis components showed up to 100% reduction in C. albicans biofilm versus commercial materials. Furthermore, spray-coated leaf surfaces resisted fungal infection, with no plant toxicity. This is the first high-throughput study of polymer chemistries resisting fungal attachment. These materials are ready for incorporation in products to counteract fungal deterioration of goods, food security, and health.