WASABI, A PROMISING ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BIODETERIORATION CONTROL OF THE EGYPTIAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL PAPYRI

Wasabi (Wasabia japonica) is an edible plant containing different phytochemicals. It is very interesting to exploit its natural antimicrobial impacts in controlling the biodeterioration of organic artifacts such as papyrus. In this study, the authors investigated the in vitro antifungal activity of Wasabi towards several fungal species associated with the biodeterioration of archaeological papyri in the Grand Egyptian Museum-Conservation Center. The examined fungi showed antifungal activity with maximum activity against Penicillium lanosum ΙΙΙ. The minimal inhibitory concentration ranged between 0.2 to 1.6% while the minimum fungicidal concentration increased to 2.5%. In vivo treatment studies were applied using thermally aged biodeteriorated papyrus samples. The microbiological test revealed that Wasabi can completely eradicate Aspergillus flavus and P. lanosum after three days of exposure. Finally, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Colorimeter were used to assess the treatment after short and long terms. These findings suggest that Wasabi can be useful sources of fungicidal preparations for the disinfection of biodeteriorated papyrus artifacts. Our research introduces the practical use of Wasabi for the first time in the conservation field, especially after confirming its long-term safety.