Microbiological and chemical indicator of multicomponent nature of cashew nut shell hot water extract

Abstract

Dark brown hot water extract of cashew nut shell was found to be partly colonized by molds that were identified to be aspergillus and penicillum when left in the open laboratory for several days. Test revealed that though the extract contained tannin but not of the depside bond type and so the nutrient used by the mold must have been derived from other carbon nutrient sources. The nutrient was found to be provided by soluble carbohydrate present in the extract. Further examination revealed that many more components were extracted into hot water and that the soluble sugar in the extract is the main source of food for the sustenance of the identified mold found in the extract.

Keywords: Aspergillus, Penicillum, Identification, Cashew shell, tannin