Candida albicans, one of the most dreadful fungal pathogens threatening humans, could not be easily prevented. The anticandidal activity of oak gall extract, Quercus infectoria (QIE), was investigated as a potential natural alternative to synthetic and chemical fungicides. QIE anticandidal potentiality was confirmed using both qualitative and quantitative assays. Cotton textiles were treated with QIE and then evaluated as anticandidal fabrics. QIE-treated textiles had a potent anticandidal activity, which could completely inhibit the inoculated C. albicans cells. The durability of anticandidal activity in QIE-treated textiles almost completely disappeared after the fourth laundering cycle. QIE could be recommended, however, as a potent anticandidal agent for preparing antiseptic solutions and emulsions and as a finishing agent for manufacturing anticandidal disposable diapers and hygienic clothes.

Xylan is a principal structural component in plant cell walls and could interfere in many industries and biological activities. Biosynthesis of the xylan-degrading enzyme xylanase by fungal isolates was investigated, using agricultural wastes as substrates for production. Aspergillus fumigatus was shown to be the superior isolate to produce xylanase, and wheat bran proved to be the most appropriate substrate for enzyme production and activity. Media composition and growth conditions were optimized for the production of fungal xylanase using Plackett-Burman multifactorial mixture design and Box-Behnken experimental design. Characterization of the purified xylanase revealed that the most favorable conditions for the maximum enzyme activity (57 IU/mL) were temperature of 55-60°C with thermal stability for 30 min and pH of 9 with enzyme stability for 20 min. Application of xylanase for biodegradation of sugarcane pulp fibers was examined using scanning electron micrographs, which exhibited a vigorous alteration in the topography of fiber surface and structure with a prolonged enzymatic treatment period.