Raw data obtained as the result of Neosartorya spp. imaging, metabolic analysis and sensitivity panels towards food preservatives

The deposited data was collected as part of the research project entitled: “Rola właściwości metabolicznych, morfologicznych i genetycznych grzybów Neosartorya spp. w kształtowaniu ich odporności na związki konserwujące, chemiczne oraz naturalne ekstrakty roślinne” (eng. The role of the metabolic, morphological and genetic properties of Neosartorya spp. fungi in shaping their resistance to preservatives, chemicals and natural plant extracts).

This study was funded by the National Science Centre in the frame of the Preludium Bis-2 scientific project, contract number 2020/39/O/NZ9/03421 (isolates used in the experiments were first obtained as a part of the Sonata-4 project, 2012/07/D/NZ9/03357).

Food preservatives are crucial in fruit production, but fungal resistance is a challenge. Our study examines Neosartorya spp. (teleomorph of Aspergillus spp.), a notorious spoilage agent. The main objective was to compare Neosartorya spp. isolates’ sensitivity to preservatives food security applications and assess the role of metabolic properties in shaping Neosartorya spp. resistance. Sodium metabisulfite, potassium sorbate, sodium bisulfite, sorbic acid showed inhibitory effects, with sodium metabisulfite being the most effective. Potassium sorbate and sodium bisulfite decreased the Average Fungal Growth Intensity. Neosartorya spp. overcame the inhibitory properties of chemicals after 96 hours. Fungal isolates revealed preference to carbohydrate utilization and differences in overall metabolic activity after preincubation with sodium metabisulfite. Prolonged exposure to low sodium metabisulfite doses resulted in significant decrease in metabolic activity. Extensive sensitivity panels are logical step in establishing a course of action against spoilage agents in food production being important approach for innovative food chemistry.

The research was conducted from 01.10.2021 to 31.10.2023, at the Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, the Department of Soil and Plant System, Laboratory of Molecular and Environmental Microbiology; from 31.01.2023 to 28.02.2023 at the Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, the Department of Physical Chemistry of Porous Materials, Laboratory of Surface Physicochemistry; and from 17.10.2022 to 21.10.2022 at the Department of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Łódź.

The data includes sets of biological data (sensitivity to food preservatives, metabolic profile and activity, sensitivity to chemical compounds, microscopy imaging). Sensitivity data was obtained via inhibition zone measurements on Petri plates, as well as absorbance measurements on Biolog^TM MT2 microplates, including the measurements of respiratory response of the tested isolates resulting from substrate catabolism (colorimetric reaction) (490 nm) and the level of cell biomass growth (measured by optical density) (750 nm). Metabolic profile characterization was accomplished by using Biolog^TM FF microplates, with readings performed at 490 nm and 750 nm wavelengths. Metabolic activity was tested using a method based on fluorescence measurements of fluorescein diacetate (FDA) metabolism. Chemical sensitivity was studied via Biolog^TM PM21-25 microplates, with readings performed at 490 nm and 750 nm wavelengths. Microscopy imaging was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

The dataset consists of the following files

 A1_inhibition_test_petri_dish_brix- raw data regarding research results from disc-diffusion inhibition test on Petri plates to evaluate the growth inhibitory properties of natural food preservatives in form of sugar solutions of set pH on Neosartorya spp. isolates.

A2_inhibition_test_petri_dish_chemical- raw data regarding research results from disc-diffusion inhibition test on Petri plates to evaluate the growth inhibitory properties of chemical food preservatives on Neosartorya spp. isolates.

A3_inhibition_test_MT2 - raw data regarding research results to evaluate fungi's sensitivity to coincubation with food preservatives if used as carbon and nitrogen sources.

A4_metabolic_profile_FF_control - raw data regarding research results to evaluate isolates’ metabolic profile in optimal growth conditions (control).

A5_metabolic_profile_FF_sodium - raw data regarding research results to evaluate isolates’ metabolic profile and its’ changes under the influence of sodium metabisulfite.

A6_chemical_sensitivity_PM - raw data regarding research results to evaluate isolates’ chemical sensitivity to substances available on Biolog™ PM21-25 microplates.

A7_metabolic_activity_fluorescence - raw data regarding research results of metabolic activity evaluation via metabolism of FDA.

A8_SEM - raw microscopy imaging results.

A9_petri_dish_photos – raw data regarding inhibition zones visualization.

A10_metabolic_activity_fluorescence_photos - raw photos illustrating fluorescence emission during FDA decomposition.

The data files were compiled based on conducted laboratory research. The results presented in the files were obtained using research equipment: digital calliper (Kingfisher International Products B.V., The Netherlands), microplate reader with a computer workstation - MicroStation^TM (Biolog^TM Hayward, USA), electron microscope Phenom ProX (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA), microplate fluorescence/absorbance reader with a computer workstation - Infinite® 200 Pro reader (Tecan, Switzerland).