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

Abstract

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.