Non-irradiated Control Samples Research Articles

Impact of blue light on cutaneous barrier structures and properties: NPLC/HR-MSn and Raman analyses.

Skin health relies heavily on a well-maintained cutaneous barrier. While the detrimental effects of UV radiation on the epidermis are established, the impact of blue light, a significant component of sunlight and artificial sources, is less clear. This study aims to explore blue light's influence on the reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) using two complementary analytical approaches: Raman microspectroscopy and normal phase liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (NPLC/HR-MSn). RHE samples were exposed to blue light (415 nm and 455 nm) during different stages of their maturation. Raman spectra were acquired for both irradiated and non-irradiated (control) samples. Raman descriptors were analyzed to assess potential alterations in the structural organization of proteins and lipids' conformational changes. Additionally, lipids from RHE samples were extracted and analyzed using NPLC/HR-MSn. Blue light exposure led to changes in the structural organization of RHE lipids and proteins, as well as changes in the lipid composition. These changes varied depending on the wavelength and exposure dose. Exposure to blue light could disrupt the integrity of the skin's protective barrier, leading to increased sensitivity to environmental stressors and potential skin damage.

Impact of gamma radiation on the agronomic properties of naked barley genotypes

The usage of naked barley in the food industry is increasing day by day due to its health benefits. As a result, research on breeding naked barley have gained popularity. In these breeding studies, a wide variation in desired traits is needed to achieve higher success in selection. One of the best methods for obtaining genotypic variation, which is crucial for breeding studies on naked barley, is mutation. To obtain genotypic variation in certain agronomic parameters in naked barley genotypes, the impact of different gamma radiation doses on M1 and M2 plants of two naked barley genotypes was evaluated in this research. The seeds were treated with gamma irradiation using Cobalt 60 gamma source at six different doses, along with non-irradiated control samples. While the values at low doses were found to be comparable to the control in the majority of the traits, 250-300 Gy caused significant decreases in the majority of the traits in the M1 generation of both genotypes. Plant height, number of spikelets per spike, and number of grains per spike at the M2 generation were all negatively impacted by 250–300 Gy, although spike length, grain weight per spike, and thousand grain weight were positively impacted by the same doses. The mutant population generated by gamma irradiation of seeds of different naked barley genotypes was found to have suitable variation for the selection of desired traits. In addition, this material can be used to select individuals with outstanding agronomic characteristics.

Determination of Optimum Gamma Ray Irradiation Doses for Hulless Barley (Hordeum vulgare var. nudum L. Hook. f.) Genotypes

The limited germplasm resources of hulless barley restrict the breeding of hulless barley with improved traits. Mutation techniques are an effective tool for generating variation for plant breeding studies. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of gamma-ray at different doses on certain seedling properties of M1 plants of two hulless barley genotypes, as well as determine the effective dose (ED50). The seeds of two hulless two-row barley genotypes, cv. Yalin and hulless barley line YAA7050-14, were irradiated with 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 gray Gamma-rays delivered by a Cobalt 60 source along with non-irradiated control samples. Gamma-ray irradiation affects the seedling properties of M1 plants of both hulless barley genotypes significantly. The significant effect varied based on the doses, traits, and genotypes. While lower doses were found statistically identical to the control in the majority of qualities in the M1 generation, 250-300 gray gamma ray doses caused statistically significant decreases in the majority of characteristics studied in both genotypes. The effective doses (ED50) for hulless barley genotypes were determined by plotting growth reduction values of seedling lengths, then the polynomial regression equations were calculated for each genotype. It was determined that 50% growth reduction in shoot length was reached at 214.1 Gy and 253.4 Gy for cv. Yalin and line YAA7050-14, respectively.

Photodynamic Inactivation Effectively Eradicates Candida auris Biofilm despite Its Interference with the Upregulation of CDR1 and MDR1 Efflux Genes.

Candida auris, in recent years, has emerged as a dangerous nosocomial pathogen. It represents a challenge for effective treatment because of its multiresistance. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) is a promising way to solve problems with a wide range of resistant microorganisms. This study aimed to use PDI for the eradication of C. auris biofilms. Moreover, the regulation of the CDR1, CDR2, and MDR1 resistance genes was studied. Experiments were performed on 24 h biofilms formed by three clinical isolates of C. auris in vitro. PDI was performed in the presence of the photosensitizer methylene blue (0.25 mM) and samples were irradiated with a red laser (λ = 660 nm, 190 mW/cm2) for 79, 120, and 300 s. To confirm the PDI effect, confocal laser scanning microscopy was performed after treatment. Effective PDI was achieved in all strains. The highest inhibition was observed after 300 s irradiation, with over 90% inhibition compared with the non-irradiated control sample. PDI was observed to upregulate the expression of the CDR1 gene, but mainly the MDR1 gene. Despite this observation, PDI significantly decreased the survival of C. auris biofilm cells and proved to have great potential for the eradication of problematic resistant yeasts.

Simulation of Air Travel-Related Irradiation Exposure of Cryopreserved Mouse Germplasm Samples.

Cryopreservation of genetically modified mouse lines prevents the loss of specific mutants that are of enormous scientific value for both basic and applied research. Cryopreservation of spermatozoa or preimplantation embryos enables discontinuation of breeding as well as archiving of specific lines for future studies. Regarding active inter-laboratory exchange of mutants, cryopreserved material is more advantageous to transport than live animals. However, transportation stress should not be trivialized. Security scanning of transport boxes at airports and customs, in particular, as well as additional cosmic radiation, pose a threat to undefined dosages of irradiation exposure. To simulate this, cryopreserved samples of mouse spermatozoa and preimplantation embryos were exposed to an X-ray dosage of 1 mGy in an X-ray machine. For subsequent investigation of the cell integrity of irradiated spermatozoa and embryos, spermatozoa forward motility as well as embryo developmental capacity and apoptosis values were examined and compared with nonirradiated control samples. The percentage of forward-moving spermatozoa per sample appears to be significantly reduced after irradiation exposure. The in vitro developmental capacity of preimplantation embryos as well as their relative share of apoptotic cells do not seem to be influenced by irradiation exposure. This leads to the assumption that, at least in preimplantation embryos, X-ray dosages of 1 mGy do not induce sudden severe cellular harm. Nevertheless, stochastic effects of ionizing irradiation, such as mutations, do not have a dosage threshold and always represent the potential danger of alterations to cells and cellular components, especially the DNA. This could lead to undefined mutations inducing genetic drift, in the worst case to the loss of a mutant line. We therefore strongly recommend minimizing "transportation stress," in particular by irradiation exposure, to keep its potential consequences in mind, and to standardize shipping procedures.

Long-Term Maintenance of Acinar Cells in Human Submandibular Glands After Radiation Therapy

In a combined retrospective and prospective study, human salivary glands were investigated after radiation treatment for head and neck cancers. The aim was to assess acinar cell loss and morphologic changes after radiation therapy and to determine whether irradiated salivary glands have regenerative potential. Irradiated human submandibular and parotid salivary glands were collected from 16 patients at a range of time intervals after completion of radiation therapy (RT). Control samples were collected from 14 patients who had not received radiation treatments. Tissue sections were analyzed using immunohistochemistry to stain for molecular markers. Human submandibular and parotid glands isolated less than 1 year after RT showed a near complete loss of acinar cells. However, acinar units expressing functional secretory markers were observed in all samples isolated at later intervals after RT. Significantly lower acinar cell numbers and increased fibrosis were found in glands treated with combined radiation and chemotherapy, in comparison to glands treated with RT alone. Irradiated samples showed increased staining for duct cell keratin markers, as well as many cells coexpressing acinar- and duct cell-specific markers, in comparison to nonirradiated control samples. After RT, acinar cell clusters are maintained in human submandibular glands for years. The surviving acinar cells retain proliferative potential, although significant regeneration does not occur. Persistent DNA damage, increased fibrosis, and altered cell identity suggest mechanisms that may impair regeneration.

Simple Solution for Single Final Vial Filling of Ga-68 Radiopharmaceuticals in One Hot Cell Isolator at Small-Scale Radiopharmacy Laboratories under Aseptic Conditions

A simple solution for fulfilling biosafety and national drug agency demands of radiation and biosafety during Ga-68 radionuclide containing radiopharmaceutical production (RP) by small scale laboratories has been demonstrated based on a novel sterile seal concept of multi-layer bag system prototype. These mid-and inner enclosures of the prototype with vial inside were sterilized by 50 kGy of gamma radiation. The microbial safety validation based on two-week testing confirmed successful sterilization of the sealing bags with vails. The analysis of physicochemical properties, namely mechanical properties, gel fraction studies revealed that sterilization did not cause any undesired changes in developed materials, compared to non-irradiated control samples.

Improvement of 6-gingerol production in ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) plants by mutation breeding using gamma irradiation

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a valuable culinary and medicinal plant. The compound 6-gingerol is the main gingerol in ginger rhizomes and it possesses interesting pharmacological and physiological properties. Mutation breeding involved using low doses of gamma radiation (5–30 Gy) to increase the genetic variability in ginger rhizomes (M1 generation). Ginger plants selected from the next generation (M2) were characterized and subjected to quantitative analysis for 6-gingerol content using HPLC of ginger extracts. M2 offspring from a parent ginger rhizome irradiated with 20 Gy was found to have a high 6-gingerol content (38.4 ± 0.01 mg/g methanol extract in comparison to 22.1 ± 0.03 mg/g methanol extract in non-irradiated control samples). Radiation induced genetic variability was also probed and confirmed using RAPD-PCR analysis. This research demonstrates the potential for ginger improvement and to our knowledge is the first to report the use of gamma radiation in breeding ginger plants with enhanced 6-gingerol content.

Biochemical changes associated with electron beam irradiation of rice and links to kernel discoloration during storage

AbstractBackground and objectivesRice kernel discoloration during storage results in significant economic losses to rice growers and processors. This study aimed to elucidate the extent of chemical changes and microbial involvement on discoloration of rice kernels during storage. To segregate and/or diminish the effects of microbes, one lot of hybrid long‐grain rice (XL753) samples was irradiated with nonthermal electron beam (EB) dose of 14 kGy. The irradiated and nonirradiated control samples of rice at a moisture content (MC) of 21% on a wet basis were stored at three temperatures (20, 30, and 40°C) for 8 weeks. Samples were taken every 2 weeks for microbial and chemical analyses.FindingsA negative relationship was noted between discoloration and microbial load. The trend of increasing discoloration and chemical properties such as free sugars, free fatty acid, and free 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furaldehyde (HMF), especially at higher storage temperatures and durations, suggested that biochemical changes were major drivers of the observed rice discoloration. The higher HMF in highly discolored rice (≥20%) explained nonenzymatic browning in the rice matrix during storage.ConclusionsFrom this study, it was drawn that the rice kernel discoloration was not directly related to the microbial load; the discoloration was seen in EBI rice even with 99% reduction in microbial load. However, it was clarified that the rice discoloration especially in EBI rice samples was related to the observed chemical changes, which were also storage temperature dependent.Significance and noveltyMilled rice discoloration during storage of rough rice is insufficiently understood. There is no information correlating changes in chemical attributes and microbial activity to discoloration of contemporary hybrid rice during storage. Therefore, the results of the current study provide important fundamental information and also suggest storage conditions required to arrest discoloration and maintain quality of contemporary milled hybrid rice.

Improvement of microbiological quality, antioxidant content and shelf life of jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana cv. BAU Kul) fruit by gamma irradiation

Postharvest loss of inherently perishable fruits is a matter of serious concern for the farmers and traders. Reduction of postharvest loss is one of the key components for ensuring food security. A study was carried out to reduce the postharvest loss of BAU Kul, an improved variety of jujube fruit (Ziziphus mauritiana), by using gamma irradiation. Different doses of gamma irradiation (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 kGy) was applied to the jujube fruit samples and the microbiological quality, antioxidant content and shelf life of those fruits were evaluated. Gamma irradiation initially caused significant reduction of the total heterotrophic bacteria, coliform as well as yeast and mold counts. However, the counts increased in both irradiated and non-irradiated fruit samples with the passage of storage period but the increment was significantly less in the 1.5 kGy irradiated samples. Irradiation played active role in the enhancement of total phenolics and flavonoids contents. The concentration of these antioxidants remained higher in irradiated samples in comparison to non-irradiated control samples throughout the storage period. However, the ascorbic acid content decreased gradually with the increase of radiation dose and storage period. The overall acceptability of the fruit samples was determined by the taste-taking panelist. The irradiated (1.0 and 1.5 kGy) fruits were acceptable up to 8 days whereas control and 0.5 kGy irradiated fruits lost their acceptability during storage. The study revealed that 1.5 kGy irradiation can improve microbiological quality and extend the shelf life of jujube fruits (cv. BAU Kul) without significant loss of overall antioxidant content and sensory attributes.

Patterning and reduction of graphene oxide using femtosecond-laser irradiation

Graphene has emerged as one of the most versatile materials ever discovered due to its extraordinary electronic, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties. However, device fabrication is a well-known challenge and requires novel fabrication methods to realize the complex integration of graphene-based devices. Here, we demonstrate direct laser writing of reduced graphene oxide using femtosecond-laser irradiation at λ = 795 nm. We perform a systematic study of the reduction process of graphene oxide to graphene by varying both the laser fluence and the pulse repetition rate. Our observations show that the reduction has both thermal and non-thermal features, and suggest that we can achieve better resolution and conductivity using kHz pulse trains than using MHz pulse trains or a continuous wave laser. Our reduced graphene oxide lines written at 10-kHz exhibit a 5 order-of-magnitude decrease in resistivity compared to a non-irradiated control sample. This study provides new insight into the reduction process of graphene oxide and opens doors to achieving a high degree of flexibility and control in the fabrication of graphene layers.

Laser-induced changes of in vitro erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

The study of the effects of low-level laser (LLL) radiation on blood is important for elucidating the mechanisms behind the interaction of LLL radiation and biologic tissues. Different therapy methods that involve blood irradiation have been developed and used for clinical purposes with beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different irradiation protocols using a diode-pumped solid-state LLL (λ=405nm) on samples of human blood by measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Human blood samples were obtained through venipuncture into tubes containing EDTA as an anticoagulant. Every sample was divided into two equal aliquots to be used as an irradiated sample and a non-irradiated control sample. The irradiated aliquot was subjected to a laser beam with a wavelength of 405nm and an energy density of 72J/cm2. The radiation source had a fixed irradiance of 30mW/cm2. The ESR change was observed for three different experimental protocols: irradiated whole blood, irradiated red blood cells (RBCs) samples re-suspended in non-irradiated blood plasma, and non-irradiated RBCs re-suspended in irradiated blood plasma. The ESR values were measured after laser irradiation and compared with the non-irradiated control samples. Irradiated blood plasma in which non-radiated RBCs were re-suspended was found to result in the largest ESR decrease for healthy human RBCs, 51%, when compared with RBCs re-suspended in non-irradiated blood plasma. The decrease in ESR induced by LLL irradiation of the plasma alone was likely related to changes in the plasma composition and an increase in the erythrocyte zeta potential upon re-suspension of the RBCs in the irradiated blood plasma.

Radiodegradation of nadolol in the solid state and identification of its radiolysis products by UHPLC\u2013MS method

Nadolol ((2R*,3S*)-5-{[(2R*)-3-(tert-butylamino)-2-hydroxypropyl]oxy}-1,2,3,4 tetrahydronaphthalene-2,3-diol) in substantia was exposed to ionizing radiation generated by a beam of high-energy electrons in an accelerator, in the standard sterilisation dose of 25 kGy and in higher doses of 50 − 400 kGy. The irradiated and non-irradiated (control) samples were analysed by the infrared spectrophotometry, electron paramagnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS). The irradiated samples were found to contain free radicals in concentrations much higher than that observed for the other irradiated β-blockers. On the basis of UHPLC–MS results, it was possible to establish structures of 11 compounds of the impurities and/or products of nadolol decomposition. The main product of radiodegradation was concluded to be formed as a result of abstraction of the hydroxyl group and aromatization of the tetrahydronaphthalene ring. The results of DSC measurements confirmed the presence of radiolysis products in the irradiated samples of nadolol. A shift of the endothermic peak corresponding to melting towards lower temperatures (by 4.4 °C at the dose of 400 kGy) was directly proportional to the doses of radiation used, which permits concluding that this method is sensitive and suitable for evaluation of radiodegradation of nadolol in solid phase.

Sensitivity to Antibiotics of Bacteria Exposed to Gamma Radiation Emitted from Hot Soils of the High Background Radiation Areas of Ramsar, Northern Iran.

Background: Over the past several years our laboratories have investigated different aspects of the challenging issue of the alterations in bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics induced by physical stresses. Objective: To explore the bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics in samples of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. typhimurium), Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae after exposure to gamma radiation emitted from the soil samples taken from the high background radiation areas of Ramsar, northern Iran. Methods: Standard Kirby-Bauer test, which evaluates the size of the zone of inhibition as an indicator of the susceptibility of different bacteria to antibiotics, was used in this study. Results: The maximum alteration of the diameter of inhibition zone was found for K. pneumoniae when tested for ciprofloxacin. In this case, the mean diameter of no growth zone in non-irradiated control samples of K. pneumoniae was 20.3 (SD 0.6) mm; it was 14.7 (SD 0.6) mm in irradiated samples. On the other hand, the minimum changes in the diameter of inhibition zone were found for S. typhimurium and S. aureus when these bacteria were tested for nitrofurantoin and cephalexin, respectively. Conclusion: Gamma rays were capable of making significant alterations in bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics. It can be hypothesized that high levels of natural background radiation can induce adaptive phenomena that help microorganisms better cope with lethal effects of antibiotics.

EFFECT OF IRRADIATION AND NATAMYCIN ON DECONTAMINATION OF FUNGI FROM LABORATORY INOCULATED MINCED MEAT

This study was carried out on 60 samples of fresh minced meat (200 g) for each to evaluate the effect of both gamma irradiation and 0.1% natamycin on elimination of total mould and yeast count. Samples were divided into 5 groups (12 for each), all samples were sterilized by using gamma irradiation at dose 10 kGy then artificially inoculated with Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger at infected dose 105 cfu/g,1st group not treated (control), 2nd, 3rd, and 4th groups were exposed to gamma irradiation at doses of (2.5, 4.0, 6.0 kGy) respectively. While 5th group treated with 0.1% natamycin by spraying. All samples chilled at (4°C) for 15 days. Total mould and yeast count were detected at zero, 5, 10, 15 days of storage. The results showed that there was a significant difference between non-irradiated (control) samples and irradiated samples at (2.5, 0.4, 0.6 kGy) at zero, 5 and 10 days of storage and there was a significant difference between doses of 4.0 and 6.0 kGy at15 days of storage as the control samples were spoiled, the samples exposed to 6.0 kGy were contained less mould and yeast growth than that exposed to 4.0 kGy irradiated dose. Samples treated with natamycin 0.1% showed a significant decrease in total mould and yeast count in comparison with untreated (control) group at 5, 10 days of storage day. As well as there was significant differences between treated samples at 15 days of storage and each treated samples at 5 and 10 days of storage.

Effect of Post-Harvest Radiation Processing and Storage on Volatile Profile of Minimally Processed Ready-to-Cook (RTC) Cauliflower

Background: Cauliflower is an important vegetable in human diet as it is associated with various health benefits. Main quality loss of cauliflower is due to the poor post-harvest practices. Radiation processing is gaining popularity now a days as one of the promising alternative to address quality retention of product. Since aroma quality of vegetable is crucial for its consumer acceptance therefore study of changes in volatile compounds of vegetables due to post harvest processing is required. Objective: The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of radiation processing (0.5 - 2 kGy) and storage (4 °C for 21 days) on the volatile constituents of minimally processed cauliflower. Method: Head Space Solid Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME) was used for aroma extraction from cauliflower and subsequent analysed by GC-MS. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used for data analysis. Cauliflower samples irradiated with different doses were also subjected to sensory evaluation along with non-irradiated control samples. Results: Data analysis using principal component analysis suggested significant differences both due to irradiation and storage. A 2.37, 1.96, 2.78 and 2.48 fold increase in the content of odour active compounds such as Dimethyl Disulphide (DMDS), Dimethyl Trisulfide (DMTS), dimethyl tetrasulfide, and Methanethiol (MT) respectively, immediately after irradiation was noted at 1 kGy. Sensory analysis of aroma quality supported the acceptance of radiation processing for cauliflower. Conclusion: PCA analysis suggested significant differences in volatile profile both due to radiation processing and storage, however radiation processing was not found to affect sensory acceptability of the product.

Effects of low-level laser irradiation on human blood lymphocytes in vitro.

Low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) has various effects on cultured human lymphocytes in vitro, but little is known about such effects in whole blood. This study investigated whether LLLI affected lymphocyte count in human whole blood in vitro. A total number of 130 blood samples were collected from apparently healthy adult patients through venipuncture into tubes containing EDTA. Each sample was divided into two equal aliquots to be used as a non-irradiated control sample and an irradiated sample. The irradiated aliquot was subjected to laser wavelengths of 405, 589, and 780nm with different fluences of 36, 54, 72, and 90J/cm2, at a fixed irradiance of 30mW/cm2. A paired student t test was used to compare between non-irradiated and irradiated samples. The lymphocyte counts were measured using a computerized hematology analyzer and showed a significant (P < 0.02) maximum increase (1.6%) at a fluence of 72J/cm2 when compared with non-irradiated samples. This increase in lymphocyte count upon irradiation was confirmed by flow cytometry. At a wavelength of 589nm and fluence of 72J/cm2, irradiation of whole blood samples showed a significant increase in CD45 lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) (CD16, CD56) cells, but no significant changes in CD3 T lymphocytes, T-suppressor (CD3, CD8) cells, T-helper (CD3, CD4) cells, and CD19 B lymphocytes when compared with their non-irradiated counterparts. Our results clearly demonstrate that NK cell count is altered by irradiation, which ultimately affects the whole lymphocyte count significantly.

Evaluation the effect of gamma irradiation on microbial, chemical and sensorial properties of peanut (Arachis hypogaea l.) seeds.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possibility to apply gamma radiation treatment for decontaminating and assuring the quality of peanut seeds. The radiation processing was carried out at dose levels of 3, 6 and 9 kGy. The irradiated and non-irradiated (control) samples were stored at room temperature for 12 months, and analyzed for microbial load, proximate composition, sensorial acceptance and chemical properties. The results indicated that gamma irradiation treatment significantly (p < 0.05) reduced microbial load and enhanced the safety of the irradiated samples. The irradiated samples were also acceptable sensorically. The total acidity and total volatile nitrogen (TVBN) contents increased with the increase of radiation dose. Furthermore, in general, no substantial change in proximate constituents was observed amongst the samples. No significant (p > 0.05) differences in the taste, flavor, color and texture score were observed among treatments (0, 3, 6 and 9 kGy). Irradiation protected again bacterial and fungal growth and retained the nutritional components of samples during long-term storage.

Gamma irradiation inhibits browning in ready-to-cook (RTC) ash gourd ( Benincasa hispida ) during storage

Abstract Inhibition of browning in gamma irradiated (2 kGy) RTC ash gourd during storage (10 °C, 12 days) was investigated. Irradiation resulted in a significant increase in the content of α-resorcylic acid that was correlated with decreased PPO activity. Nature of the PPO inhibition was found to be of mixed and reversible type with K i , 0.09 mM; K is , 27.33 mM and IC 50 of 25 mM. During storage, the non-irradiated control samples exhibited increased oxidation of leached phenolic compounds at the surface as a consequence of changes in tissue micro-structure compared to the irradiated samples. Unlike control samples that exhibited enhanced PAL activity, quinone formation and browning, no increase in PAL activity and browning was noted in the irradiated samples during storage. Browning inhibition in stored radiation-processed (2 kGy) RTC ash gourd was thus proposed to be a synergistic effect of decreased quinone formation and reduced enzyme (PPO and PAL) activities. Industrial relevance The present study demonstrates the feasibility of gamma irradiation for browning inhibition in ready-to-cook (RTC) ash gourd during storage. Use of gamma irradiation for optimizing the post-processing conditions for improved visual appeal and storability of the fresh-cut produce in food industry is thus recommended. The possible use of alpha resorcylic acid as a natural browning inhibitor in fruits and vegetables is also of industrial relevance. The various approaches proposed in the study can be utilized by the food industry for maintaining visual quality of fresh-cut produce during storage thereby improving marketability of such produce.

Inactivation of Escherichia coli in goat milk using pulsed ultraviolet light

Novel, more efficient processes to extend the shelf life of food are gradually replacing thermal processes and chemical additives. Pulsed UV radiation, a non-thermal process, is a promising alternative for inactivating food pathogens and preventing its degradation by microorganisms. This study aimed to investigate pulsed UV light’s efficacy for inactivating Escherichia coli in goat milk and its effect on milk’s organoleptic attributes. The goat milk samples were first inoculated with E. coli and then irradiated with different doses of pulsed UV light generated using an exciplex laser unit. The results showed that a 6-log reduction of the initial microbial population was achieved using 10,000mJcm−2 of pulsed UV. Samples irradiated with 5000 and 10,000mJcm−2 doses exhibited aromatic changes compared with the non-irradiated control sample. No significant differences in the physical or compositional parameters of the irradiated and control samples were found.