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Article

Comparative Inhibition Study by Nanomaterial, Plant Extract and Chemical Microcide on the Screaming Mummy in Egyptian Museum Store

by
Sahar Ismael
1,*,
Ali Omar
2 and
Manal Maher
3
1
Conservation Department, Faculty of Archaeology, Fayoum University, Fayoum 63514, Egypt
2
Microbiology Department, Conservation Center, Grand Egyptian Museum, Giza 12572, Egypt
3
Nanotechnology Center, Cairo University, Giza 12585, Egypt
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Heritage 2021, 4(3), 2481-2493; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage4030140
Submission received: 18 August 2021 / Revised: 10 September 2021 / Accepted: 13 September 2021 / Published: 16 September 2021
(This article belongs to the Special Issue In Honor of Prof. Liritzis Ioannis: Essays in Archaeology & Archaeometry and the Hellenic Contribution to Egyptology)
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Abstract

:
Mummies in museums are exposed to different deterioration factors like microorganisms, especially unwrapped mummies, such as the screaming mummy. This screaming mummy in the store of the Egyptian museum is suffering from stains due to microbial infection. There are three trends of materials to inhibit microbial growth: nano materials, plant extraction and chemical materials. This research compares three materials representing the three trends such as nano zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs), Ceratophyllum demersum and 4-chloro-m-cresol, respectively. Microorganisms, isolated from the degraded mummy, were identified with an optical microscope and ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) analysis to guarantee identification accuracy. Results indicated that the bacteria in the mummy are Bacillus jeotgali, Kocuria turfanensis, Microbacterium imperial, Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus megaterium. Fungi are Monascus pallens and Rhizopus oryzae. The results of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) illustrated that the best concentrations for the bio treatment of isolated microorganisms is plant extract (Ceratophyllum demersum) at 600 ppm/100 mL, followed by 4-chloro-m-cresol at 600 ppm/100 mL and finally nano zinc oxide at 700 ppm/100 mL.

1. Introduction

Mummification is a process that was done to preserve dead body in ancient Egypt by embalming and wrapped with linen bandages [1]. The ancient Egyptians did this process due to religious concepts, such as the afterlife [2]. Mummification includes the treatment of the body with oils, resin and wax wrapped with linen and placing it in a sealed coffin to ensure the preservation of the body [3]. Screaming (Glaring) mummies do not have good embalming. There are two types of screaming mummies: the first and most famous ones were murdered because of committing a crime, so they do not have good mummification or linen wrapping. The second type died as a result of a disease and all the usual embalming steps are done for them [4].
The mummy suffers from several factors that cause deterioration in museums, for example microorganisms [5], especially fungi more than bacteria. These organisms produce enzymes that cause staining and a decayed mummy [6]. The damage percentage by microorganisms depends on species, the surrounding climate (humidity, temperature) and the quality of the embalming [7,8]. Screaming mummies of the first type are more exposed to deterioration by fungi and bacteria because of bad mummification especially because they were not wrapped in linen strips.
The main concern of the study is the mummy of an unknown woman (Figure 1) from the store of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt. The mummy’s number is CIT 8; it was discovered in an unknown tomb by Winlock’s excavations at ThT71. Winlock’s written note cards say: S.A.K. (1935–1936) Servants Cemetery burial No. 2 (SENMUT) of the 18th Dynasty. The height of the mummy is 158 cm (height from the heel to the crown of the head), and the age was estimated in the elderly.
Lately, nano materials are used as an antimicrobial agent [9]. Nanomaterials (1–100 nm) have a lot of properties: reducing UV effects, consolidation, cleaning, deacidification and inhibition of microbial growth [10,11,12,13]. Nano zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs) is known as a good antimicrobial Aaent, [14] especially for leather [15]—thus, it was chosen for the current study.
Ancient Egyptians used plants that have antimicrobial activities (due to contents of phenols and esters) and essential oils for mummification [16]. Currently, plant extracts and essential oils are used as antimicrobial agents in different ways for archaeological objects. A plant extract is prepared byusing different parts of the plant (often the leaves) soaked in 100 mL of water and 100 mL of ethanol, then evaporated to obtain a substance dissolved in 200 mL of sterile distilled water. Essential oils are more effective for inhibiting microbial growth, but they are not suitable for every archaeological materials. They can cause darkening in color [17]. Scientific studies have mentioned that camphor and thyme are more effective than other essential oils [18,19]. Another study proved that plant extract and nano materials did not change or produce a reaction with archaeological objects’ color [20]. Thus, it was chosen for the current study.
Some of hydrophytes in the Nile River have antimicrobial activity, including Ceratophyllum demersum [21]. Ceratophyllum demersum is a submerged aquatic plant from Saluga and Ghazal island [22]; they are protected areas in Aswan, Egypt [23].
There are a lot of chemical materials used as antimicrobials and pesticides. Some of them could be used in the treatment of archaeological objects. It is preferable to use safe antimicrobials for objects as a restorer, such as 4-chloro-m-cresol [24]. 4-chloro-m-cresol is considered a safe material to be used even in cosmetic products (up to 0.2%). This material is a synonym for p-chloro-m-cresol [25,26].
The current research aims to study microorganisms isolated from the screaming mummy and to study its biological activities. The study also aims to compare the inhibition of three materials: nano zinc oxide, Ceratophyllum demersum and 4-chloro-m-cresol representing, respectively. These three materials are for inhibiting microbial attacks, and are applied to the microorganisms isolated from the screaming mummy.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Materials

The nano material used in this study, zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs) < 50 nm particle size (BET), >97%, was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich Company, No: 677450. The plant extract was Ceratophyllum demersum. The plant is a dominant species within the Nile River system. The plant was collected from sites located around Isis island (24°04.646′ N; 32°52.701′ E) and Saluga and Ghazal island (24°04.328′ N; 32°52.279′ E). It was prepared by washing the plant, then it was dried and ground into a powder. The powder was then left in methanol. The chemical antimicrobial was 4-chloro-m-cresol, purchased from Loba Chemie Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India, No: 02750. The media used for isolation and purification were cellulose, protein and nutrient agar.

2.2. Methods

A collection of swabs was taken from the screaming mummy in the Egyptian Museum store, specifically from skin areas including the head, wig, rib cage, abdominal and pelvic cavity, right leg, left leg and mouth of the mummy as the presence of microbial lesions is clear in the form of brown spots (Figure 2). Microbial swabs were cultured on plates of cellulose, protein and nutrient agar media. Regarding isolation and purification, the growths that presented in the Petri dishes were taken separately and cultured on the same previous media in order to obtain the microorganisms in pure forms to complete the steps of characterization.
Microbial colonies that grew on the incubated plates were sub-cultured into separate fresh sterile cellulose agar and nutrient agar plates and then incubated to obtain pure cultures of causative microorganisms. The purified isolates were kept in slants and stored for characterization. Identification of all microbial isolates was carried out at the Laboratory of Microbiology, Grand Egyptian Museum, Ministry of Antiquities with optical microscopy and with sequencing of rRNA genes at Solgent Company, South Korea.
Bacterial identification was performed with a molecular approach. Bacterial isolates were cultured in sterile test tubes containing 10 mL of nutrient broth medium [27]. Cultures were incubated at 28 °C for 48 h. A small amount of bacterial culture was scraped by sterile spatula suspended in 100 µL of sterile distilled water in 2 mL of sterile vials and boiled at 100 °C for 15 min. Bacterial DNA was extracted and isolated using SolGent purification bead. Prior to sequencing, the ribosomal rRNA gene was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique in which two universal bacterial primers 27F (forward) and 1492R (reverse) and were incorporated in the reaction mixture. Primers used for gene amplification have the following composition: 27F(5′AGAGTTTGATCMTGGCTCAG) and 1492R(5′TACGGYTACCTTGTTACGACTT).
The purified PCR products (amplicons) were reconfirmed using a size nucleotide marker (100 base pairs) by electrophoreses on 1% agarose gel. Then, these bands were eluted and sequenced with the incorporation of dideoxynucleotides (dd NTPs) in the reaction mixture. Each sample was sequenced in the sense and antisense directions using the same primers [28]. Sequences was further analyzed using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) from the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences was done with the help of Meg Align (DNA Star) software version 5.05. Identification of bacterial isolates was done by sequencing of rRNA genes at the Solgent Company, South Korea.
Fungal isolates can be identified with different methods (morphological, molecular approach and biochemical), but the molecular approach was used because of its high accuracy compared to the other methods. Fungal isolates were cultivated in Petri plates containing 20 mL of Czapek’s yeast extract agar with 20% sucrose (CY20S) medium at 28 °C for 7 days [29]. A small amount of fungal culture was scraped by sterile spatula suspended in 100 µL sterile distilled water in 2ml sterile vials and boiled at 100 °C for 15 min. Fungal DNA was extracted and isolated using SolGent purification bead. Prior to sequencing, the ribosomal rRNA gene was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique in which two universal fungal primers were sequenced with ITS1 and ITS4 primers [30], which were incorporated in the reaction mixture. Primers used for gene amplification have the following composition: ITS1 (5′-TCCGTAGGTGAACCTGCGG3′) and ITS4 (5′-TCC TCCGCTTATTGATATGC-3′) for fungi.
The purified PCR products (amplicons) were reconfirmed using a size nucleotide marker (100 base pairs) by electrophoreses on 1% agarose gel. The amplicons were sequenced with the incorporation of dideoxynucleotides (dd NTPs) in the reaction mixture. Sequences were further analyzed using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) from the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences was done with the help of MegAlign (DNA Star) software version 5.05. Identification of fungal isolates was done by sequencing of rRNA gene at the Solgent Company, South Korea.
In order to determine cellulose (s) and protease activity of the isolated microorganisms we used the following steps:
  • Enzyme Production
Production was carried out in 250 mL conical flasks. Each contained 100 mL of the production medium for producing cellulase and protease enzymes and the main source of carbon (sucrose) was replaced with 10 g of cellulose and 10 g of gelatin, respectively. Flasks were sterilized at 121 °C for 15 min. After that, cooling inoculated with 2ml of standard inoculums of each isolate. The inoculated flasks were incubated at 28–30 °C for the proper time. At the end of the incubation period, the liquid cultures were centrifuged at 3000 RPM for 15 min. The supernatant was taken for determination of enzyme (cellulase and protease) activity as described below.
  • Enzymes Assay
The cup plate clearing zone technique (CCZ) was used for assaying activities of cellulase and protease enzymes. The procedure was carried out by pouring 20 mL aliquots of the detection medium [31] into a sterile Petri dish and it was then allowed to solidify. A sterile cork borer (15 mm diameter) was used to make three cups in each plate and 0.1 mL of the supernatant (cell free enzyme) of each isolate was placed into the three cups. Plates were incubated at 30 °C for 24h after which the plates were flooded with a Lugol’s iodine solution to assay cellulose and with an acid mercuric chloride solution for protease assay. Enzyme activities were compared based on the diameter (mm) of clear zone.

2.2.1. Determine Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of Antimicrobial Agents against the Isolated Microorganisms

The three substances categories microcides chosen were: nano material, plant extract and chemical antimicrobial (ZnO NPs, Ceratophyllum demersum and 4-chloro-m-crysol) prepared to determine their minimal inhibitory concentrations. A stock solution of each microcide was prepared by dissolving 1 g/L ethyl alcohol (95%) in the case of 4-chloro-m-crysol and nano zinc oxide and 1 mL/L of ethyl alcohol (95%) in the case of Ceratophyllum demersum. Gradient concentrations of each microcide (400, 500, 600 and 700 ppm) were prepared by diluting the stock solution with alcohol.
One milliliter of spore suspension was spread on nutrient agar and Dox’s agar plate. The controls were the solvents used for every extract. Plates were left to be dry. A cork borer was used to make three pores in each plate and 100 µL of the three concentrations was added for each microcide materials. Concentrations start with 400 ppm/100 mL. The zones of growth inhibition around the wells were measured after 18 to 24 h of incubation at 37 °C for bacteria and 48 to 96 h for fungi at 28 °C. The sensitivities of the microorganism species to the test substances were determined by the sizes of inhibition zones (including the diameter of well) on the agar surface around the wells. Values less than 15 mm were considered as not active against microorganisms compared to control plates that used ethyl alcohol (dissolvent solution of microcides) alone.

2.2.2. Evaluate Treatment for Isolated Microorganisms from Mummy

Microbial growth was examined by taking of swabs from each treated plates after 48 h, 3 months and 6 months. The swabs were cultured in Dox’s medium for fungi and Nutrient agar for bacteria. A concentration of the best microcide will be used.

3. Results

3.1. Identification of the Microbial Isolates

3.1.1. Optical Microscope Identification

The resulting microbial colonies were subjected to preliminary characterization depending on the type of organism, as mentioned previously. The following genera were identified: bacillus, coccus and Rhizopus (Table 1 and Figure 3 and Figure 4).
Based on the results, it can be seen that the genus bacillus was the dominant genus in seven sites having 33.3% of the total bacterial isolates and the genus Rhizopus was the dominant genus in seven sites having 55.2% of the total fungal isolates.

3.1.2. rRNA Sequencing Identification

Based on the results in Table 2 and Table 3, it was found that the bacterial isolates were identified according to thew molecular approach by 16S rRNA sequencing analysis compared with closely related strains accessed from the Gen Bank, such as Bacillus jeotgali, Kocuria turfanensis, Microbacterium imperial, Micrococcus luteu and Bacillus megaterium. Fungal isolates were identified according to the molecular approach by ITS region of rDNA sequencing analysis and compared with closely related strains accessed from the Gen Bank, such as Monascus pallens and Rhizopus oryzae.

3.2. Determination of Cellulases and Protease Produced by the Isolated Microorganisms by Cup Plate Technique

Data recorded in Table 4 and illustrated by Figure 5 indicate that the tested microorganisms proved the various abilities to produce the cellulases and protease enzymes. Microorganisms are different in the degree of decomposition of proteins and cellulose. The tabulated data show the highest activity of cellulolytic activity observed in Bacillus jeotgali and a highest activity of proteolytic activity observed in Microbacterium imperial.

3.3. The MIC of Isolated Micro-Organisms

In this part of the study, the three microcides were applied to the isolated microorganisms to determine the MIC. Nano zinc oxide showed no response at various concentrations (400, 500 and 600 ppm/100 mL) in all isolates, except for at the concentration 700 ppm/100 mL that showed a response to all isolates. Thus, it could be reported that using nano zinc oxide at concentrations of 700 ppm/100 mL gave the diameter of a clear zone that ranged from 18–25 mm.
Natural substance plant extract (Ceratophyllum demersum) had a good response at 600 ppm/100 mL concentration, which gave a response in all isolates. Therefore, it could be reported that using a natural substance at 600 ppm/100 mL gave the diameter of a clear zone ranging from 25–48 mm.
In the case of 4-chloro-m-cresol, no response could be detected at 400 ppm/100 mL concentration of all isolated microorganisms. It showed a response at 500 ppm/100 mL with most isolated microorganisms, but the good response was at 600 ppm/100 mL, where the diameter of a clear zone ranged from 24–45 mm.
These data can be used to recommend the best concentrations of a specific microbicide for the microbial treatment of an infected mummy. For instance, a natural substance plant extract (Ceratophyllum demersum) at 600 ppm/100 mL is sufficient to inhibit all isolated microorganisms followed by 4-chloro-m-cresol at 600 ppm/100 mL and Nano zinc oxide at 700 ppm/100 mL. These results are listed in Table 5 and shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7.

3.4. Evaluation of Different Methods for Treatment of Deteriorated Mummy

The plant extract was the best to be applied using the fumigation method (30 mL/m3). A concentration of 600 ppm/100 mL of plant extract was used to inhibit microbial growth on the mummy. Microbial growth was examined by taking of swabs from each treated specimen after 48 h, 3 months and 6 months. The swabs were cultured in Dox’s agar medium for fungi and Nutrient agar for bacteria (Table 6).

4. Discussion

Results show that the concentration 500 ppm/100 mL of nano zinc oxide does not have any effect, but the plant extract had the highest inhibition zone with most isolated microorganisms. In the concentration of 600 ppm/100 mL, there is no response for nano zinc oxide as well, although the plant extract and chemical microcide have a good inhibition zone. Therefore, nano zinc oxide in the concentration 700 ppm/100 mL was compared to a concentration of 600 ppm/100 mL of the for natural Plant extract (Ceratophyllum demersum) and chemical microcide, 4-chloro-m-cresol (Figure 8 and Figure 9).
The chemical microcide (4-chloro-m-cresol), applied by brush or spray, could be concentrated in places and forgotten in others. This material could have an effect on the restorer’s health if they do not wear a mask. For that reason, the chemical microcide (4-chloro-m-cresol) was not used. The nano material (ZnO NPs) is safer than 4-chloro-m-cresol for the restorer, but could be also concentrated in some places and cause a whitening of the mummy’s appearance, especially if the mummy does not have wrapped linen.
Natural plant extracts (Ceratophyllum demersum) are used by fumigation in closed areas. A tent from polyethylene (plastic) was made and the mummy was put inside to be treated. Then, determining the volume of the tent in cubic meters and the corresponding volume of the plant extract is put into a Petri dish at the ratio of 30 mL/m3. After that, the tent was sealed and left for 48 h. Microbial growth was examined by taking swabs from each treated specimen after 48 h, 3 months and 6 months. The swabs were cultured in Dox’s medium for fungi and Nutrient agar for bacteria. This fumigation method is the best for archaeological objects that have many details, such as the screaming mummy. This mummy does not have wrapped linen strips. In addition, the Ceratophyllum demersum does not cause any change to the archaeological material’s color and does not harm the restorer’s health. This result is similar to the treatment of rare books [32].

5. Conclusions

The ancient mummies preserved in the Egyptian Museum store deteriorated due to the poor level of preservation conditions. Microorganisms isolated from the screaming mummy were identified based on ribosomal RNA analysis. Results show the presence of bacteria: Bacillus jeotgali, Kocuria turfanensis, Microbacterium imperial, Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus megaterium. The fungi are Monascus pallens and Rhizopus oryzae.
The isolated microorganisms produced activity in cellulose and protease enzymes that can cause biodeterioration of ancient mummies. The comparison between the three types of microcides material showed that the plant extract, Ceratophyllum demersum, at a concentration of 600 ppm/100 mL is the best. It is sufficient to inhibit all isolated microorganisms.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, S.I.; methodology, S.I. and A.O.; software, S.I.; investigation, S.I.; data curation, S.I., A.O. and M.M.; writing—original draft preparation, S.I. and A.O.; writing—review and editing, S.I.; visualization, S.I. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Not applicable.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Figure 1. The screaming mummy from the 18th dynasty in the Egyptian museum store.
Figure 1. The screaming mummy from the 18th dynasty in the Egyptian museum store.
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Figure 2. Collecting swabs from the mummy.
Figure 2. Collecting swabs from the mummy.
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Figure 3. Bacteria isolated from mummy with optical microscope at 1000× magnification.
Figure 3. Bacteria isolated from mummy with optical microscope at 1000× magnification.
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Figure 4. Fungi isolated of mummy with optical microscope at 400× magnification.
Figure 4. Fungi isolated of mummy with optical microscope at 400× magnification.
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Figure 5. Cellulase(s) and protease produced by isolated microorganisms using cup plate technique.
Figure 5. Cellulase(s) and protease produced by isolated microorganisms using cup plate technique.
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Figure 6. Effect of the three microcides: nano zinc oxide, natural plant extract (Ceratophyllum demersum) and 4-chloro-m-cresol on bacteria isolated from the mummy.
Figure 6. Effect of the three microcides: nano zinc oxide, natural plant extract (Ceratophyllum demersum) and 4-chloro-m-cresol on bacteria isolated from the mummy.
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Figure 7. Effect of the three microcides: nano zinc oxide, natural plant extract (Ceratophyllum demersum) and 4-chloro-m-cresol on fungi isolated from the mummy.
Figure 7. Effect of the three microcides: nano zinc oxide, natural plant extract (Ceratophyllum demersum) and 4-chloro-m-cresol on fungi isolated from the mummy.
Heritage 04 00140 g007
Heritage 04 00140 g008 550
Figure 8. Comparison of the inhibition zone (mm) of microbial species grown on Czapek agar and Nutrient agar as affected by the 500 ppm/100 mL concentration of three microcides: nano zinc oxide, Ceratophyllum demersum and 4-chloro-m-cresol.
Figure 8. Comparison of the inhibition zone (mm) of microbial species grown on Czapek agar and Nutrient agar as affected by the 500 ppm/100 mL concentration of three microcides: nano zinc oxide, Ceratophyllum demersum and 4-chloro-m-cresol.
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Heritage 04 00140 g009 550
Figure 9. Comparison of the inhibition zone (mm) of microbial species grown on Czapek agar and Nutrient agar as affected by the 700 ppm/100 mL nano zinc oxide and 600 ppm/100 mL concentration of Ceratophyllum demersum and 4-chloro-m-cresol.
Figure 9. Comparison of the inhibition zone (mm) of microbial species grown on Czapek agar and Nutrient agar as affected by the 700 ppm/100 mL nano zinc oxide and 600 ppm/100 mL concentration of Ceratophyllum demersum and 4-chloro-m-cresol.
Heritage 04 00140 g009
Table
Table 1. Isolated microorganisms grow on different media (cellulose, protein and nutrient agar).
Table 1. Isolated microorganisms grow on different media (cellulose, protein and nutrient agar).
Swab CiteMedia Used
Cellulose AgarProtein AgarNutrient Agar
HeadFungus 1
Rhizopus oryzae		G+ve Shortbacilli spore former1G+ve Shortbacilli spore former2
Microbacillus spp.
WigMicrobacillus spp.
Fungus 1		Microbacillus spp.
G+ve Shortbacilli spore former3		G+ve Shortbacilli spore former3
Rib cageRhizopus oryzaeG+ve Shortbacilli spore former2G+ve Shortbacilli spore former4
Microbacillus spp.
Abdominal and pelvic cavityFungus 1Microbacillus spp.G+ve Shortbacilli spore former3
Micrococus spp.
Right legRhizopus oryzaeMicrobacillus spp.
G+ve Shortbacilli spore former1		G+ve Shortbacilli spore former3
Left legRhizopus oryzae
Microbacillus spp.		G+ve Shortbacilli spore former3
G+ve Shortbacilli spore former4		G+ve Shortbacilli spore former3
Microbacillus spp.
MouthRhizopus oryzae
Fungus 1		Micrococus spp.G+ve Shortbacilli spore former2
Micrococus spp.
Table
Table 2. Identification of bacterial isolates obtained from deteriorated mummy by 16S rRNA sequencing analysis compared with closely related strains accessed from the Gen Bank.
Table 2. Identification of bacterial isolates obtained from deteriorated mummy by 16S rRNA sequencing analysis compared with closely related strains accessed from the Gen Bank.
Swab CiteIdentificationClosely Related Microbial Strains Accessed from Gen Bank
Strain No.Accession No.Similarity
HeadBacillus jeotgaliYKJ-10NR025060T99.93%
Kocuria turfanensisHO-9042NR043899T88.22%
Microbacterium imperialeDSM 20530NR026161T99.86%
WigMicrobacterium imperialeDSM 20530NR026161T99.86%
Bacillus jeotgaliYKJ-10NR025060T99.93%
Rib cageMicrobacterium imperialeDSM 20530NR026161T99.86%
Bacillus jeotgaliYKJ-10NR025060T99.93%
Abdominal and pelvic cavityMicrobacterium imperialDSM 20530NR026161T99.86%
Micrococcus luteuMB5MH45009899.71%
Bacillus jeotgaliYKJ-10NR025060T99.93%
Right legBacillus megateriumNBRC 15308 = ATCC 14581NR112636T100%
Microbacterium imperialDSM 20530NR026161T99.86%
Kocuria turfanensisHO-9042NR043899T88.22%
Left legMicrobacterium imperialDSM 20530NR026161T99.86%
Bacillus jeotgaliYKJ-10NR025060T99.93%
Bacillus megateriumNBRC 15308 = ATCC 14581NR112636T100%
MouthBacillus jeotgaliYKJ-10NR025060T99.93%
Micrococcus luteusMB5MH45009899.71%
Table
Table 3. Identification fungal isolates obtained from deteriorated mummy ITS region of rDNA sequencing analysis compared with closely related strains accessed from the Gen Bank.
Table 3. Identification fungal isolates obtained from deteriorated mummy ITS region of rDNA sequencing analysis compared with closely related strains accessed from the Gen Bank.
SchemeIdentificationClosely Related Microbial Strains Accessed from Gen Bank
Strain No.Accession No.Similarity
HeadMonascus pallensIMI 356820GU733328100%
Rhizopus oryzaeIDI 354840GU73233299.88%
WigMicrobacterium imperialDSM 20530NR026161T99.86%
Monascus pallensIMI 356820GU733328100%
Rib cageRhizopus oryzaeIDI 3548402GU73233299.88%
Abdominal and pelvic cavityMonascus pallensIMI 356820GU733328100%
Right legRhizopus oryzaeIDI 354840GU73233299.88%
Left legMicrobacterium imperialDSM 20530NR026161T99.86%
Rhizopus oryzaeIDI 354840GU73233299.88%
MouthMonascus pallensIMI 356820GU733328100%
Rhizopus oryzaeIDI 354840GU73233299.88%
Table
Table 4. Determine of cellulases and protease produced by the isolated microorganisms using cup plate technique.
Table 4. Determine of cellulases and protease produced by the isolated microorganisms using cup plate technique.
Microbial IsolatesDiameter of Clearing Zone (mm)
CellulasesProtease
Monascus pallens2322
Rhizopus oryzae2421
Bacillus jeotgali2827
Kocuria turfanensis1920
Microbacterium imperial2632
Micrococcus luteus2425
Bacillus megaterium2221
Table
Table 5. Determine inhibition zone (mm) of microbial species grown on Czapek agar and Nutrient agar as affected by three microcides: nano zinc oxide, natural plant extract (Ceratophyllum demersum) and 4-chloro-m-cresol.
Table 5. Determine inhibition zone (mm) of microbial species grown on Czapek agar and Nutrient agar as affected by three microcides: nano zinc oxide, natural plant extract (Ceratophyllum demersum) and 4-chloro-m-cresol.
MicroorganismsInhibition Zone by mm at Different Concentrations (ppm/100 mL).
Nano Zinc OxidePlant Extract4-chloro-m-cresol
400500600700400500600400500600
Monascus pallens000180203702535
Rhizopus oryzae000250304803045
Bacillus jeotgali0001800280027
Kocuria turfanensis000220274002528
Microbacterium imperial000210192502024
Micrococcus luteus000220334302532
Bacillus megaterium000210253602533
Table
Table 6. The effect of applying Ceratophyllum demersum at (600 ppm/100 mL) on microbial growth isolated from mummy.
Table 6. The effect of applying Ceratophyllum demersum at (600 ppm/100 mL) on microbial growth isolated from mummy.
Growth Detection TimeGrowth of the Infectious Isolates after Treatment with
(Ceratophyllum demersum L.) at 600 ppm/100 mL
48 hNo Growth
3 MonthNo Growth
6 MonthNo Growth
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Ismael, S.; Omar, A.; Maher, M. Comparative Inhibition Study by Nanomaterial, Plant Extract and Chemical Microcide on the Screaming Mummy in Egyptian Museum Store. Heritage 2021, 4, 2481-2493. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage4030140

AMA Style

Ismael S, Omar A, Maher M. Comparative Inhibition Study by Nanomaterial, Plant Extract and Chemical Microcide on the Screaming Mummy in Egyptian Museum Store. Heritage. 2021; 4(3):2481-2493. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage4030140

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ismael, Sahar, Ali Omar, and Manal Maher. 2021. "Comparative Inhibition Study by Nanomaterial, Plant Extract and Chemical Microcide on the Screaming Mummy in Egyptian Museum Store" Heritage 4, no. 3: 2481-2493. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage4030140

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