Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of gamma irradiation on the physical and structural properties of β-glucan. β-Glucan solution (10%, w/v) was exposed to a cobalt-60 source (10, 30, and 50 kGy). Gel permeation chromatography data showed that the average molecular weight of irradiated β-glucan significantly decreased as the irradiation dose increased. In addition, gamma irradiation improved the solubility and decreased the viscosity of β-glucan by the radiolysis of the glycosidic bonds, and this effect was dependent upon the absorbed dose. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed that the functional groups of β-glucan were not significantly affected by gamma irradiation. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that the irradiated β-glucan was deformed into smaller granules. Therefore, gamma irradiation could be used in commercial processes as an effective method to resolve the physical problems involved in the use of β-glucan with high viscosity and low solubility.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 781-786 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Radiation Physics and Chemistry |
| Volume | 77 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2008 Jun 1 |
Keywords
- Gamma irradiation
- Radiolysis
- Solubility
- Viscosity
- β-Glucan
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiation