Uptake of caffeine by Serpula lacrymans

Serpula lacrymans belongs to the most dangerous wood-destroying fungi in wood industry. In the present study, we tested the application of caffeine as a prospective natural active fungicide substance against this species. Fungi were immersed in aquatic solution of caffeine (1 g·L−1) for 28 days and stored in thermostat in dark conditions at 20±2°C. The uptake of caffeine by fungi was analyzed after 1, 7, 14, and 28 days of exposure. The results indicate that caffeine was not significantly degraded in aquatic solutions and the uptake of caffeine by fungi was confirmed.