Fungal Deterioration Research Articles

POWERFUL ANTIFUNGAL NANOCOMPOSITE FROM AMLA-SYNTHESIZED SELENIUM NANOPARTICLES AND NANOCHITOSAN TO PROTECT STRAWBERRY FROM GRAY MOLD

Strawberry fruits (Fragaria x ananassa) are very perishable and susceptible to fungal deterioration, mainly by Botrytis cinerea (grey mold). The amla (Phyllanthus emblica) fruits’ extract (AmE) was employed for biosynthesizing selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and their nanoconjugates with nanochitosan (NCT) were constructed, characterized and assessed as potential antifungal composites to control B. cinerea and suppress grey mold development in strawberry fruits. The AmE- synthesized SeNPs had mean diameter of 10.23 nm; their nanoconjugates with NCT were validated using UV analysis, electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The NCT/AmE/SeNPs nanoconjugates had mean diameters of 132.71, 135.18 and 149.37 nm for the formulations T1 (2NCT:1AmE/SeNPs), T2 (1NCT:1AmE/SeNPs) and T3 (1NCT:2AmE/SeNPs), respectively. The treatment of B. cinerea with fabricated nanocomposites led to severe distortion and lysis of fungal mycelium throughout treatment for 30 h; T2 formulation was the most powerful followed by T1 formulation. Coating of experimentally infected strawberry fruits with NCT/AmE/SeNPs nanoconjugates could uphold the freshness and natural appearance of fruits for more than 10 days at 27±2 °C and 90% relative humidity. The fabrication and application of NCT/AmE/SeNPs could be promisingly advised as effective edible antifungal agent to control gray mold infection of crops.

Degradation of Concrete Cement Stone Under the Influence of Aspergillus niger Fungi

The concepts of physical and chemical transformations occurring in cement concrete under conditions of microbiological deterioration can be used to control the processes of the destruction of cement concretes in order to ensure the required durability and to predict the service life of products. The study of changes in the structural and phase composition of cement stone made of Portland cement grade CEM I 42.5N in the process of fungal deterioration for 6 months when moistened, as well as a sample of a concrete wall exposed to fungal microorganisms for 20 years, was carried out. Diffractograms of the studied cement stone samples contain a large number of pronounced narrow peaks and indicate a highly crystalline structure of phases with the presence of an X-ray amorphous phase of calcium hydrosilicates and tobermorite gel in the cement stone. Changes in the structure of cement stone under the influence of fungi are confirmed by the data of a derivatographic analysis. A decrease in the content of calcium hydrosilicates and ettringite, as well as other crystalline phases in cement stone, leads to a decrease in compressive strength by about 15% over 6 months of fungal degradation. Similar changes after 20 years of exposure to microorganisms suggest deterioration in the strength characteristics of concrete.

Antifungal potential of essential oils from different botanical sources against Penicillium digitatum: chemical composition and antifungal mechanisms of action by direct contact and volatile

Fungal deterioration is a recurring problem in citrus fruits, and the search for natural preservatives has been widely publicised. Therefore, the in vitro antifungal activity of clove, white thyme, tea tree, Eucalyptus citriodora, Eucalyptus staigeriana, green mandarin, sicilian lemon, sweet orange, and bergamot essential oils (EO’s) was evaluated against the mycelial growth of Penicillium digitatum isolated from contaminated citrus fruits, by direct contact and volatiles action. In addition, the chemical composition and volatile compounds of the EO’s were evaluated by gas chromatography. Clove, white thyme, and Eucalyptus citriodora EO’s inhibited 100% of the mycelial growth of P. digitatum by direct contact and volatile action at concentrations ≤ 2 µL/mL. On the other hand, EO’s from citrus sources could not inhibit 100% of mycelial growth by any mechanism of action. Thus, the clove, thyme, and Eucalyptus citriodora EO’s are promising for developing new ecologically correct products for controlling phytopathogens in citrus fruits.

Evaluating the efficacy of probiotic bacterial strain Lactobacillus plantarum for inhibition of fungal strains associated with historical manuscript deterioration: An experimental study

The aim of this study is to develop safe biological methods for controlling fungal deterioration of historical manuscripts. Therefore, fifteen fungal isolates were obtained from paper sheets and leather skins of a deteriorated historical manuscript (dated back to the 13th century). Those isolates were identified using both traditional methods and ITS-sequencing analysis. Aspergillus niger accounted for seven strains, Penicillium citrinum for one strain, Aspergillus flavus for three, Aspergillus fumigatus for one, Aspergillus nidulans for one, and Penicillium chrysogenum for two of the fungal strains that were obtained. The ability of fungal strains for the secretion of cellulase, amylase, gelatinase, and pectinase as hydrolytic enzymes was evaluated. The capability of the probiotic-bacterial strain Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 20174 for inhibition of fungal strains that cause severe deterioration was studied using ethyl acetate-extract. The metabolic profile of the ethyl acetate-extract showed the presence of both high- and low-molecular-weight active compounds as revealed by GC-MS analysis. The safe dose to prevent fungal growth was determined by testing the ethyl acetate extract's biocompatibility against Wi38 and HFB4 as normal cell lines. The extract was found to have a concentration-dependent cytotoxic impact on Wi38 and HFB4, with IC50 values of 416 ± 4.5 and 349.7 ± 5.9 μg mL−1, respectively. It was suggested that 100 μg mL−1 as a safe concentration could be used for paper preservation. Whatman filter paper treated with ethyl acetate extract was used to cultivate the fungal strain Penicillium citrinum AX2. According to data analysis, fungal inhibition measurement, SEM, ATR-FT-IR, XRD, color change measurement, and mechanical property assessment, the recommended concentration of ethyl acetate extract was adequate to protect paper inoculated with the highest enzymatic producer fungi, P. citrinum AX2.

Treatment of Bamboo for Sustainable Construction Practise: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract Bamboo is a versatile and sustainable natural resource that has been used for centuries by numerous cultures. Untreated bamboo, on the other hand, has limitations in terms of durability, strength, and decay resistance, which limit its usage in specific conditions. To overcome these restrictions and realise its full potential, researchers have investigated various bamboo treatment methods. This research presents an overview of bamboo treatment methods, effects on their performance, and emphasises possible uses in a variety of construction practises. The study looks into the usage of synthetic resin and synthetic rubber as bamboo protective coatings. These coatings improve durability, water repellence, dimensional stability, mechanical strength, and fungal growth resistance. They are also simple to use and contribute to environmentally friendly practises. To protect bamboo from fungal deterioration and insect infestation, chemical substances such as boron-based additions, zinc chloride, sodium pentachloro-phenate, and copper-chrome-arsenic (CCA) are employed as preservatives. These chemicals increase the longevity of bamboo while also ensuring its structural integrity. The use of epoxy resins to improve the tensile strength of bamboo composites is also being observed. It increases flexural and compressive strength by improving adhesion between bamboo fibres and the matrix. The use of epoxy glue also retains the natural strength and durability of bamboo. Heat treatment of bamboo entails treating it to high temperatures in order to enhance its qualities such as dimensional stability, hardness, and resistance to decay and insect assault. Heat-treated bamboo is used in building, furniture, flooring, and composite materials. Understanding and implementing these treatment procedures can help to encourage the wider use of bamboo as a sustainable and environmentally friendly construction material. The findings of this study have the potential to drive decision-making, encourage innovation, and have a positive impact on the environment, society, and economy. Bamboo may be used as a viable alternative to traditional materials in a variety of sectors by exploiting its unique qualities and improving its durability and strength.

Once upon a Time, There Was a Piece of Wood: Present Knowledge and Future Perspectives in Fungal Deterioration of Wooden Cultural Heritage in Terrestrial Ecosystems and Diagnostic Tools.

Wooden Cultural Heritage (WCH) represents a significant portion of the world's historical and artistic heritage, consisting of immovable and movable artefacts. Despite the expertise developed since ancient times to enhance its durability, wooden artefacts are inevitably prone to degradation. Fungi play a pivotal role in the deterioration of WCH in terrestrial ecosystems, accelerating its decay and leading to alterations in color and strength. Reviewing the literature of the last 25 years, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of fungal diversity affecting WCH, the biochemical processes involved in wood decay, and the diagnostic tools available for fungal identification and damage evaluation. Climatic conditions influence the occurrence of fungal species in threatened WCH, characterized by a prevalence of wood-rot fungi (e.g., Serpula lacrymans, Coniophora puteana) in architectural heritage in temperate and continental climates and Ascomycota in indoor and harsh environments. More efforts are needed to address the knowledge fragmentation concerning biodiversity, the biology of the fungi involved, and succession in the degradative process, which is frequently centered solely on the main actors. Multidisciplinary collaboration among engineers, restorers, and life sciences scientists is vital for tackling the challenges posed by climate change with increased awareness. Traditional microbiology and culture collections are fundamental in laying solid foundations for a more comprehensive interpretation of big data.

Characterization of Culturable Mycobiome of Newly Excavated Ancient Wooden Vessels from the Archeological Site of Viminacium, Serbia.

Two ancient wooden vessels, specifically a monoxyle (1st century BCE to 1st century CE) and shipwreck (15th to 17th century CE), were excavated in a well-preserved state east of the confluence of the old Mlava and the Danube rivers (Serbia). The vessels were found in the ground that used to be river sediment and were temporarily stored within the semi-underground exhibition space of Mammoth Park. As part of the pre-conservation investigations, the primary aim of the research presented was to characterize the culturable mycobiomes of two excavated wooden artifacts so that appropriate conservation procedures for alleviating post-excavation fungal infestation could be formulated. Utilizing culture-based methods, a total of 32 fungi from 15 genera were identified, mainly Ascomycota and to a lesser extent Mucoromycota sensu stricto. Soft-rot Ascomycota of genus Penicillium, followed by Aspergillus and Cephalotrichum species, were the most diverse of the isolated fungi. Out of a total of 38 isolates, screened on 7 biodegradation plate assays, 32 (84.21%) demonstrated at least one degradative property. Penicillium solitum had the highest deterioration potential, with a positive reaction in 5 separate plate assays. The obtained results further broaden the limited knowledge on the peculiarities of post-excavation soft-rot decay of archaeological wood and indicate the biochemical mechanisms at the root of post-excavation fungal deterioration.

Antifungal Efficacy of the crude Alkaloid, Flavonoid, and Terpenoid of Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipschitz Roots against Aspergillus species isolated from Rice Seeds

Background: Rice is an essential component of the diets of people all over the world, and it accounts for a sizeable amount of the calories that they consume. The world's food supply suffers huge economic losses due to fungal deterioration on rice seeds. The medicinal plant Saussurea costus contains bioactive chemicals and is well-known for its many therapeutic uses. There are a number of species of Aspergillus that are considered to be diseases in vegetables and fruits. One of these species is Aspergillus niger. The purpose of this current investigation was to investigate the impact of the crude Alkaloid, Flavonoid, and Terpenoid chemicals derived from Saussurea costus' roots on Aspergillus species Purified from Rice seeds obtained from various markets in Hillah, Iraq.Methods: In vitro, antifungal activity against Aspergillus species was achieved using the food poisoning method. Three concentrations 5, 10, and 15mg/ml of each crude compound were prepared and compared to a positive control represented by Carbendazim500g/l and a negative control represented by 10% dimethyl sulfoxide.Results: An objective of the current investigation was to manage the Aspergillus species growth identified in Rice seeds by utilizing secondary compounds derived from the roots of Saussurea costus. The study's data indicated that the extracts represented by active compounds such as Alkaloids, Flavonoids, and Terpenoids obtained from Saussurea costus roots exhibited a significant decrease in the of Aspergillus species growth, particularly at a concentration of 100mg/ml, in contrast to the negative control. This effect was equivalent to that of the positive control, Carbendazim 500g/l.Conclusion: Finally, Saussurea costus roots have shown the most efficacy in controlling Aspergillus species, particularly through the presence of Alkaloid, Flavonoid, and Terpenoid chemicals at a concentration of 100mg/ml.Keywords: Antifungal activity; Saussurea costus; Alkaloids; Flavonoids; Terpenoids

Preliminary study for evaluation of some fungicides against Aspergillus flavus isolated from historical illuminated paper manuscript dated back to the Mamluk period

Various valuable illuminated paper manuscripts in museums and libraries suffer from fungal deterioration. The treatment and protection of illuminated paper manuscripts from fungal damage is an important process. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate different fungicides against fungi isolated from historical illuminated paper manuscript dated back to the Mamluk period (1250–1516 AD). Fungi isolated from infected historical illuminated paper manuscripts were identified and their cellulolytic enzyme activity was performed. The identified fungi were A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. flavus, Alternaria alternate, and Trichoderma sp. Isolate (4-1), identified as Aspergillus flavus, possessed the highest cellulase activity. This isolate was tested against the following fungicides: azoxystrobin, boscalid, difenoconazole, dimethomorph, propiconazole, pyraclostrobin, and thiophanate-methyl at concentrations from 1 to 200 ppm, nanoparticles of TiO2 and SiO2 at concentrations of 0.5%, and 1% and mixtures of fungicides [difenoconazole + propiconazole (1:1)] at 100 and 200 ppm and [boscalid + pyraclostrobin (2:1)] at 150 and 300 ppm. The disc diffusion method (DDM) was used to evaluate the efficiency of the prepared individual and mixed fungicides against Aspergillus flavus (4-1) isolate. The results of this study revealed that treatments with individual difenoconazole at 200 ppm exhibited the best antifungal activity, followed by the propiconazole fungicide. Further research is needed to evaluate the in vitro practical application of these fungicides with infected illuminated paper samples with Aspergillus flavus agents in the field.

Evaluation of Chemically Characterized Ocimum tenuiflorum L. Essential Oil as Phytopreservative against Fungal Deterioration of Justicia adhatoda L. Raw Materials during Storage

Evaluation of Chemically Characterized Ocimum tenuiflorum L. Essential Oil as Phytopreservative against Fungal Deterioration of Justicia adhatoda L. Raw Materials during Storage

Bio-Durability and Engineering Characteristics of Heat-Treated Poplar Wood

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of brown rot fungus Coniophora puteana activity on physical and mechanical properties as well as biological resistance of heat-treated poplar wood. Two poplar wood species (Populus deltoids and Populus nigra) were heat-treated by thermo-wood (Thermo-D) method. Control and heat-treated specimens were exposed to brown rot fungus C. puteana for 16 weeks. Physical and mechanical characteristics of specimens including density, compression strength parallel to the grain and impact strength were evaluated before and after exposure to fungus. Mass loss of specimens caused by fungal activity (MLF) was also calculated. In addition, the effect of thermal modification on laccase production by C. puteana was assayed. The highest mass loss due to fungal deterioration was observed in control specimens, coinciding with the highest substrate-enzyme interactions and constant decrease in detectable laccase levels. According to the results, thermal modification can be used effectively to protect poplar wood against brown rot fungus attack.

Fungal Deterioration on Ancient Leather Artifacts

Fungal deterioration of ancient leather artifacts is a significant problem for museums and archives, as it might cause significant damage to the valuable cultural heritage. The growth of fungi on these artifacts is affected by such environmental factors as temperature, relative humidity, pH, and light exposure. The environmental factors that contribute to fungal growth and the impact fungi on the deterioration of ancient leather artifacts are discussed here. An overview is summarized on the strategies to prevent and control fungal deterioration, including the environmental control, the use of biocides, and conservation treatments, which is proposed to provide a valuable guidance for the preservation of ancient leather artifacts.

Quality control of wood treated with citric acid and sorbitol using a handheld Raman spectrometer

Wood modification using polyesterification of sorbitol and citric acid is a novel environmentally friendly strategy for wood protection improving its dimensional stability and acts against fungal deterioration. Inelastic Raman scattering is sensitive to the molecules of high polarizability and both lignocellulose and aliphatic esters formed during the treatment are polar. Therefore, in the present study, the quality control of the treatment using a handheld Raman spectrometer equipped with 830 nm laser is suggested as a rapid and reliable approach. Raman spectra from six wood modification levels (resulting in different weight percent gain, WPG) of three different wood species (Silver birch, Scots pine and Norway spruce) as well as three sample preparation strategies (intact, sanded and milled wood samples) were collected, and further analyzed using a chemometric method. Best performing models based on Powered Partial Least Squares Regression predicted the WPG level at R2 = 0.85, 0.95 and 0.98 for birch, pine and spruce, respectively. In addition, a clear separation between hard and soft wood species was also captured. Especially for softwood species, the sample preparation method affected the model accuracy, revealing the best performance in milled material. It is concluded that by using handheld Raman spectrometer it is possible to perform accurate quality control of wood modified by polyesterification of citric acid and sorbitol.

Control of fungal deterioration of ceramic materials by green nanoadditives-based coatings

Biodeterioration of building materials causes financial losses as restoration and conservation processes need to be carried out. Filamentous fungi invade the surface of ceramic materials causing fungal deterioration, in these cases, coatings with antimicrobial additives are used to control this phenomenon. This research is aimed to assess the use of sol-gel coating with antifungal nanoparticles to control biodeterioration on ceramic materials. Nanoparticles were obtained by green synthesis using an aqueous solution of tannin from Schinopsis balansae and Caesalpinia spinose. Moreover, AgNO3 salt, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (AMEO), or 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MTMO) were used as precursors on the sol-gel coatings. Coatings with AMEO and silver nanoparticles showed better antifungal performance to protect ceramic materials, as opposed to those coatings containing MTMO and silver nanoparticles. Therefore, the functionalized sol-gel coatings with antifungal nanoparticles showed their efficiency in the control of fungal deterioration to protect clay bricks.

Understanding the effects of chitosan, chia mucilage, levan based composite coatings on the shelf life of sweet cherry

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) fruits are prone to quality and quantity loss in shelf-life conditions and cold storage due to their short post-harvest life. Until now efforts have been made to extend the shelf life of the sweet cherry. However, an efficient and commercially scalable process remains elusive. To contribute to this challenge, here in this study, biobased composite coatings consisting of chitosan, mucilage, and levan, were applied on sweet cherry fruits and tested for postharvest parameters in both market and cold storage conditions. Results demonstrated that the shelf life of sweet cherries can be extended until the 30th day while retaining important post-harvest properties like decreased weight loss, fungal deterioration, increased stem removal force, total flavonoid, l-ascorbic acid, and oxalic acid. Given the cost-effectiveness of the polymers used, the findings of this study indicate the feasibility of extending the shelf-life of sweet cherries on a larger scale.

Biosynthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles using probiotic bacterial strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and evaluate of their biocompatibility and antifungal activity

The main goal of the current study is to biosynthesize titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) using green approach to biocontrol of different fungal strains isolated from historical Description of Egypt book. Nineteen fungal strains were isolated from deteriorated parts and identified by the traditional and molecular methods as Aspergillus flavus (8-isolates), Aspergillus versicolor (2-isolates), Aspergillus ustus (4-isolates), Aspergillus chinensis (2-isolates), Penicillium citrinum (2-isolates), and Penicillium chrysogenum (1-isolate). These fungal strains showed high cellulase, amylase, pectinase, and gelatinase activities which have a significant role in biodeterioration. The biomass filtrate of probiotic strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, was used to fabricate TiO2-NPs which characterized by UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD, TEM, SEM, EDX, DLS, and zeta potential. The obtained data showed the successful formation of spherical and anatase phase NPs with sizes of 3–7 nm and zeta potential values of – 19.9 and – 36.8 mV. The main components of as-formed nanomaterial were Ti and O with weight percentages of 55.91 and 46.25, respectively. The biocompatibility of synthesized TiO2-NPs was investigated toward two normal cell lines, WI38 and HFB4, which reveal the low toxicity at high concentrations (IC50 > 300 μg mL–1). Therefore, concentrations ≤ 300 μg mL–1 were used to biocontrol of isolated fungi. Data showed the promising activity of various concentrations (300, 200, and 100 μg mL–1) of TiO2-NPs to inhibit the growth of fungal strains with varied inhibition zones and dose-dependent manner. This study exhibited the efficacy of probiotic bacterial strains in the synthesis of TiO2-NPs that can be used to preserve historical books from fungal deterioration.Graphical

New Inhibitory Effect by Green Synthesized Chalcone Derivatives on the Fungal Deterioration of Archaeological Egyptian Mummy, Egypt

The biodeterioration of archaeological mummies is a severe issue, where fungi are the most significant agents deteriorating them. The inhibitory effect of [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a]isoquinoline chalcone derivatives on the growth of thirteen deteriorated fungal species (Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. terreus, Athelia bombacina, Aureobasidium iranianum, Byssochlamys spectabilis, Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. ramotenellum, Penicillium crustosum, P. polonicum, Talaromyces atroroseus, T. minioluteus, and T. purpureogenus), which isolated and identified from ancient Egyptian mummy cartonnage located in El-Lahun regions, Fayoum government, Egypt were investigated. Antifungal activity and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the tested four chalcone derivatives with different concentrations (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 mg/ml) were measured. The most efficient chalcone derivatives are chalcone derivative number 4 which causes the maximum significant inhibition in the growth of the thirteen isolated fungal species with MIC ranging from 1 to 3 mg/ml followed by chalcone derivatives number 6 with MIC ranging from 2 to 5 mg/ml. The use of chalcone derivative number 4 for the preservation of cultural assets should be considered for future applications.

Microscopic evidence of sandstone deterioration and damage by fungi isolated from the Angkor monuments in simulation experiments

The Angkor monuments have been registered on the World Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO, while the buildings built mostly of sandstone are suffering from serious deterioration and damage. Microorganisms are one of the leading causes for the sandstone deterioration. Identification of the mechanisms underlying the biodeterioration is of significance because it reveals the biochemical reaction involved so that effective conservation and restoration of cultural properties can be achieved. In this study, the fungal colonization and biodeterioration of sandstone in simulation experiments were examined using confocal reflection microscopy (CRM) and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Aspergillus sp. strain AW1 and Paecilomyces sp. strain BY8 isolated from the deteriorated sandstone of Angkor Wat and Bayon of Angkor Thom, respectively, were inoculated and incubated with the sandstone used for construction of Angkor Wat. With CRM, we could visualize that strain AW1 tightly attached to and broke in the sandstone with extension of the hyphae. Quantitative imaging analyses showed that the sandstone surface roughness increased and the cavities formed under the fungal hyphae deepened during the incubation of strains AW1 and BY8. These highlighted that the massive growth of fungi even under the culture conditions was associated with the cavity formation of the sandstone and its expansion. Furthermore, SEM-EDS indicated the flat and Si-rich materials, presumably quartz and feldspar, were found frequently at the intact sandstone surface. But the flatness was lost during the incubation, possibly due to the detachment of the Si-rich mineral particles by the fungal deterioration. Consequently, this study proposed a biodeterioration model of the sandstone in that the hyphae of fungi elongated on the surface of the sandstone to penetrate into the soft and porous sandstone matrix, damaging the matrix and gradually destabilize the hard and Si-rich minerals, such as quartz and feldspar, to the collapse and cavities.

Development of an antimicrobial packaging system for fresh cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) fruits

An active antifungal packaging system combined with modified atmospheres (MAP) was proposed to preserve cape gooseberry. Initially, the antifungal effect of oregano essential oil, cinnamaldehyde, and 2-nonanone in the vapor phase was evaluated in vitro to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Botrytis cinerea. Next, the better antifungal compound was included inside an active packaging system adsorbed in powdered bentonite. 100 ± 1 g of fruits were introduced in sealed polylactic acid (PLA) packages with a 0.058 mm perforation in the center forming a MAP and stored at 6 °C and 75 % RH determining fungal deterioration and changes in quality properties. From the in vitro tests, it was determined that cinnamaldehyde was the component with the highest antifungal capacity with a MIC of 2,38 µg per cm3 of headspace air. With the active packages combined with MAP, it was possible to obtain up to 42 days of shelf life.

Novel eco-friendly [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a]isoquinoline chalcone derivatives efficiency against fungal deterioration of ancient Egyptian mummy cartonnage, Egypt

Fungal deterioration is one of the major factors that significantly contribute to mummy cartonnage damage. Isolation and molecular identification of thirteen fungal species contributing to the deterioration of ancient Egyptian mummy cartonnage located in El-Lahun regions, Fayoum government, Egypt was performed. The most dominant deteriorated fungal species are Aspergillus flavus (25.70%), Aspergillus terreus (16.76%), followed by A. niger (13.97%). A newly synthesized series of tetrahydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a]isoquinoline chalcone derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antifungal activities in vitro against the isolated deteriorated fungal species (Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. terreus, Athelia bombacina, Aureobasidium iranianum, Byssochlamys spectabilis, Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. ramotenellum, Penicillium crustosum, P. polonicum, Talaromyces atroroseus, T. minioluteus and T. purpureogenus). The most efficient chalcone derivatives are new chalcone derivative numbers 9 with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 1 to 3 mg/mL followed by chalcone derivatives number 5 with MIC ranging from 1 to 4 mg/mL.