TY  - JOUR
T1  - Diversity and Density of Fungi Isolated from Dried Fruits
A1  - Rana G. Alghamdi
A1  - Nidal M. Zabermawi
A1  - Faizah A. Altihani
A1  - Fardos M. Bokhari
A1  - Rania M. Makki
A1  - Shahira A. Hassoubah
A1  - Zeina W. Sharawi
A1  - Azhar A. Najjar
JF  - Journal of Biochemical Technology
JO  - J Biochem Technol
SN  - 0974-2328
Y1  - 2023
VL  - 14
IS  - 4
DO  - 10.51847/WpwifxHnGg
SP  - 45
EP  - 55
N2  - Fruits are a vital source of nutrients for human health, containing carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. However, their nutritional value also makes them favorable for the growth of microorganisms. Dried fruits, can be susceptible to fungal contamination, which can pose significant health risks. In a study conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a total of 180 imported and local dried fruit samples, including raisins, dates, and apricot, were purchased from local markets. The study involved fungal isolation, where each fruit was cut into small segments (5x5 mm) and cultured on potato dextrose agar. The samples were then incubated at 25º C for 7-14 days to identify phenotypic fungal characteristics. Also, molecular analysis of the fungal isolates was performed by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rRNA gene. The morphological and molecular combination results of the study revealed the presence of 17 different fungal species belonging to 13 genera, including Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Eurotium, Lecythophora, Mucor, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Talaromyces, Ulocladium, and Zygosaccharomyces. Among the dried fruits, the most dominant genera isolated from raisins and dates were Aspergillus sp. (367 CFU), Penicillium sp. (74 CFU), and Rhizopus sp. (27 CFU). In dried apricots, Zygosaccharomyces sp. (2932 CFU) was the only detected isolated fungus. Additionally, a very toxic effect of the selected fungal extracts on brine shrimp larvae was noted. In conclusion, it is crucial to implement good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to ensure the production of healthy dried fruits and minimize contamination risks during and after harvest.
UR  - https://jbiochemtech.com/article/diversity-and-density-of-fungi-isolated-from-dried-fruits-jm186l0linpepoa
ER  -