Impact of Storage Conditions on Biodeterioration of Ancient Egyptian Child Mummies by Xerophilic Fungi

Abstract

The study was conducted on a child's mummy aged 6 to 8 years, with a damaged skull. It was found in Dahshur, Egypt. 10 fungal species were isolated and identified. Fungi have been determined by PCR amplification and sequencing as follows: Cladosporium cladosporioides (LC325159), Penicillium chrysogenum (LC325162) and Aspergillus flavus (LC325160). Modern linen samples were inoculated and incubated by the isolated fungi for a period of three months. Fungi decay results were assessed using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (EDX) and X Ray Diffraction (XRD). It was evident that NaCl (100%) have been used in the mummification process and the three identified fungi could grow on linen even under high saline (NaCl) conditions. C. cladosporioides showed a considerable increment in hyphal production, while P. chrysogenum hyphae were filled with salt crystals. Growth of A. flavus covered linen surface, while salt crystals were found in the conidiophores. Xerophilic and Halophilic fungi grown and caused decay of the mummy located in the burial chamber.

Long-term fungal inoculation of Ficus sycomorus and Tectona grandis woods with Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium chrysogenum

“…Each piece of wood sample was individually inoculated in Petri plates with media of potato dextrose agar (PDA) and fungus discs from A. flavus (ACC# LC325160), and P. chrysogenum (ACC# LC325162) measuring 5 mm in diameter [ 9 , 36 ] . Following this, fungi were cultured on wood blocks under experimental conditions (27 ± 2 °C and 70 ± 5% relative humidity (RH)), where the incubation lasted until the complete colonization of the fungus on the Petri dishes and wood block.…”