Shelf‐life extension of vacuum‐packaged sea bream (Sparus aurata) fillets by combined γ‐irradiation and refrigeration: microbiological,chemical and sensory changes

The combined effect of γ‐irradiation and refrigeration on the shelf‐life of vacuum‐packaged sea bream (Sparus aurata) fillets was studied by monitoring the microbiological, chemical and sensory changes of non‐irradiated and irradiated fish samples using low‐dose irradiation doses of 1 and 3 kGy. Fish species such as sea bream and sea bass are very popular in the Mediterranean countries due to their high quality characteristics, and their preservation is a constant challenge given their extreme perishability. Irradiation (3 kGy) dramatically reduced populations of bacteria, namely, total viable counts (3 vs 7 log cfu g^?1) for the non‐irradiated samples, Pseudomonas spp (<2 vs 7.6 log cfu g^?1), H₂S‐producing bacteria typical of Shewanella putrefaciens (<2 vs 5.9 log cfu g^?1), Enterobacteriaceae (<2 vs 6.0 log cfu g^?1) and lactic acid bacteria (<2 vs 3.5 log cfu g^?1) after 10 days of storage. The effect was more pronounced at the higher dose (3 kGy). Lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae and H₂S‐producing bacteria typical of Shewanella putrefaciens showed higher sensitivity to γ‐radiation than did the rest of the microbial species. Of the chemical indicators of spoilage, Trimethylamine (TMA) values of non‐irradiated sea bream increased very slowly, whereas for irradiated samples significantly lower values were obtained reaching a final value of 7.9 and 6.3 mg N per 100 g muscle at 1 and 3 kGy respectively (day 42). Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) values increased slowly attaining a value of 67.3 mg N per 100 g for non‐irradiated sea bream during refrigerated storage, whereas for irradiated fish, lower values of 52.8 and 43.1 mg N per 100 g muscle were recorded (day 42). Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values for irradiated sea bream samples were higher than respective non‐irradiated fish and increased slowly until day 21 of storage, reaching final values of 1.1 (non‐irradiated), 2.0 (1 kGy) and 2.2 mg malonaldehyde kg^?1 muscle (3 kGy), respectively (day 42). Sensory evaluation showed a good correlation with bacterial populations. On the basis of overall acceptability scores (sensory evaluation) a shelf‐life of 28 days (3 kGy) was obtained for vacuum‐packaged sea bream, compared with a shelf‐life of 9–10 days for the non‐irradiated sample. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Influence of gamma irradiation on growth and survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and quality of cig kofte, a traditional raw meat product

Cig kofte is a traditional Turkish food containing raw ground meat. Samples inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 were irradiated at 0.5–6 kGy with a ⁶⁰Co source and stored at 4 and 25 °C. Total aerobic mesophilic count decreased with increasing irradiation doses, D₁₀ value was 0.83 kGy. Escherichia coli O157:H7 count decreased from 5.1 log₁₀ CFU g^?1 to an undetectable level (<1 log₁₀ CFU g^?1) after 1‐day storage at 4 °C following irradiation at 2 kGy, D₁₀‐value was 0.29 kGy. Irradiation doses up to 2 kGy did not affect sensory quality after 1 day. There was colour loss in samples irradiated at 2 kGy or above and stored for longer periods. Storage of the irradiated products at abused temperature must be avoided for safety assurance. Irradiation at 2 kGy has a great potential for extending the shelf‐life of cig kofte and assuring safety by decreasing the number of E. coli O157:H7 and other bacteria, but further studies with suitable package designs are needed to decrease quality degradation during extended storage.     

Maintenance of safety and quality of refrigerated ready-to-cook seasoned ground beef product (meatball) by combining gamma irradiation with modified atmosphere packaging

Abstract: Meatballs were prepared by mixing ground beef and spices and inoculated with E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, and S. enteritidis before packaged in modified atmosphere (3% O₂+ 50% CO₂+ 47% N₂) or aerobic conditions. The packaged samples were irradiated at 0.75, 1.5, and 3 kGy doses and stored at 4 °C for 21 d. Survival of the pathogens, total plate count, lipid oxidation, color change, and sensory quality were analyzed during storage. Irradiation at 3 kGy inactivated all the inoculated (approximately 10⁶ CFU/g) S. enteritidis and L. monocytogenes cells in the samples. The inoculated (approximately 10⁶ CFU/g) E. coli O157:H7 cells were totally inactivated by 1.5 kGy irradiation. D¹⁰‐values for E. coli O157:H7, S. enteritidis, and L. monocytogenes were 0.24, 0.43, and 0.41 kGy in MAP and 0.22, 0.39, and 0.39 kGy in aerobic packages, respectively. Irradiation at 1.5 and 3 kGy resulted in 0.13 and 0.36 mg MDA/kg increase in 2‐thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) reaching 1.02 and 1.49 MDA/kg, respectively, on day 1. Irradiation also caused significant loss of color and sensory quality in aerobic packages. However, MAP effectively inhibited the irradiation‐induced quality degradations during 21‐d storage. Thus, combining irradiation (3 kGy) and MAP (3% O₂+ 50% CO₂+ 47% N₂) controlled the safety risk due to the potential pathogens and maintained qualities of meatballs during 21‐d refrigerated storage. Practical Application: Combined use of gamma irradiation and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) can maintain quality and safety of seasoned ground beef (meatball). Seasoned ground beef can be irradiated at 3 kGy and packaged in MAP with 3% O₂+ 50% CO₂+ 47% N₂ gas mixture in a high barrier packaging materials. These treatments can significantly decrease risk due to potential pathogens including E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, and S. enteritidis in the product. The MAP would reduce the undesirable effects of irradiation on quality, and extend the shelf life of the product for up to 21 d at 3 °C.     

Effects of low‐dose irradiation and electrical stimulation on quality parameters of beef longissimus from Bos indicus × Bos taurus bulls

Our objectives were to assess the effects of low‐dose irradiation and electrical stimulation on quality parameters of beef from Bos indicus × Bos taurus bulls. Loins from six animals were assigned to either irradiation (2.5 kGy) or electric stimulation (150 V, 50 Hz for 2 min), resulting in four treatments. From each treatment, 2.54‐cm‐thick steaks were cut, packaged in LDPE pouches, and stored at 4 °C for 28 days. Irradiated samples had shelf‐life of 28 days compared with non‐irradiated samples (P < 0.05). However, TBARS values were greater in irradiated samples compared with non‐irradiated samples. Electrically stimulated samples were tender, but had lower water holding capacity and greater redness and drip loss compared with non‐electric stimulated (P < 0.05). Thus, a combination of irradiation and electric stimulation can improve tenderness and reduce aerobic plate count of meat obtained from old and undernourished bulls of Bos indicus×Bos taurus origin.     

Effect of irradiation on the antioxidative and antigenotoxic activities of a green tea leaf and stem extract

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) leaf and stem extract, a major byproduct of the green tea industry, was investigated for its antioxidative and antigenotoxic activities after 20 kGy of irradiation. In vitro antioxidative activities, including 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide inhibition, tyrosinase inhibition activities, and the reducing power were tested. Green tea leaf extract (GTLE) had higher antioxidative activities than the green tea stem extract (GTSE). Irradiation of 20 kGy to GTLE showed a decreasing tendency in DPPH radical, hydrogen peroxide‐scavenging activities, and reducing power, while that to GTSE showed an increasing tendency of the antioxidative activities. Tyrosinase inhibition activity showed no difference on irradiation, in GTLE and GTSE. Overall, irradiation had positive influences on the antioxidative activity in the GTSE more than in the GTLE. Antigenotoxic effect of the green tea extracts on an oxidative DNA damage in human leucocytes by a DNA comet assay also indicated a protective effect of GTLE. The irradiated GTLE began to decrease the DNA damage significantly at 10 μg mL^?1, which showed a higher inhibition activity than the non‐irradiated GTLE. The non‐irradiated and irradiated GTSE showed similar inhibition trends and they were comparable with that of the GTLE. Results suggest that the extract of GTSE, a major byproduct of the green tea industry, can be considered as a cost‐effective functional ingredient for industrial applications. Furthermore, irradiation of the GTSE may have beneficial effects on its functional activity.     

The irradiation of spices, packaging materials and luncheon meat to improve the storage life of the end products

Spices and packaging materials were exposed to γ‐irradiation at a dose of 10 kGy. Luncheon meat was prepared with irradiated or non‐irradiated spices and packaged in irradiated or non‐irradiated packaging materials. Packaged luncheon meat was treated with 2 kGy. Irradiated and non‐irradiated packaged luncheon meat were kept in a refrigerator (1–4 °C) for 12 months. Microbiological, nutritive and chemical characteristics of luncheon were evaluated after processing and during storage; whereas, sensory quality was evaluated only after irradiation. γ‐Irradiation decreased the microbiological counts of spices, packaging materials and packed products and increased its shelf‐life. No significant differences in moisture, protein, fat, pH value, total acidity, lipid peroxide and volatile basic nitrogen were observed as a result of irradiation. Sensory evaluation showed that all the combinations of treated luncheon meats were acceptable. However, the taste, odour, appearance and texture scores of irradiated packaged products were significantly lower than those of non‐irradiated samples.     

Physicochemical Properties of Waxy and Normal Maize Starches Irradiated at Various pH and Salt Concentrations

Waxy and normal maize starches of various pH values and salt contents were prepared, irradiated with gamma rays (5–20 kGy) and their molecular structure, pasting viscosity and rheological properties determined. Average molar mass and size of both waxy and normal maize starches decreased considerably by irradiation from >338.0×10⁶ to <39.4×10⁶ g/mol and from >237.5 to <125.2 nm, respectively. Adjustments of pH had little influence on the average molar mass and size of irradiated starch, whereas incorporation of salt greatly reduced the molar mass and size of irradiated waxy and normal maize starches. As the pH increased from 4 to 8, the pasting viscosity of the irradiated starches decreased from 1032 to 279 mPa s in waxy and from 699 to 381 mPa s in normal starches. Pasting viscosity of both irradiated waxy and normal starch decreased from 689 to 358 mPa s and from 327 to 184 mPa s as the salt concentration increased from 1 to 5%. The G′ of gels, determined during cooling from 90 to 10°C or storage for 8 h, decreased in irradiated waxy and normal starches by pre‐conditioning at pH 8 and in irradiated waxy starches by pre‐conditioning at 5% NaCl. With 5% NaCl, G′ of irradiated normal maize starch during cooling increased up to the irradiation level of 10 kGy, and increased during storage for 8 h at all levels of irradiation. Incorporated salt prior to irradiation appears to induce incremental modifications in the molecular structure, rheological and retrogradation properties of starch by boosting the degradation of molecules.     

Effectiveness of electron beam irradiation for microbial decontamination of turmeric powder (Curcuma longa Linne) and analysis of curcuminoid degradation

The effectiveness of electron beam (EB) disinfection and sterilization technology when applied to turmeric powder (Curcuma longa Linne) was investigated. The bacteria in turmeric powder were sensitive to EB irradiation. From an initial turmeric aerobic bacterial count of 10⁷ colony‐forming units per gram (cfu/g), a microbial contamination level of below 1.0 × 10³ cfu/g was obtained at an absorbed dose of more than 7 kGy EB irradiation. EB irradiation at 10 kGy gave a contamination level of less than 10 cfu/g after 1 year of storage at room temperature. At the irradiation level necessary for decontamination of turmeric powder, the amount of dilute ethanol‐soluble extract from the sample was 9% greater than the level from a non‐irradiated turmeric powder. HPLC analysis of an irradiated sample indicated that EB radiolysis of curcuminoids was less than the level detectable by instrumental analysis.

Practical applications

Radiosterilization has been recognized as an effective method for controlling microorganisms and for extending the shelf life of food. In particular, EB irradiation is economically advantageous over gamma irradiation because of the higher EB dose rate. This study evaluates the use of 4.8 MeV EB radiation for the decontamination of turmeric powder for food additive and pharmaceutical uses. This method is found to be effective for sterilization and avoiding degradation of the yellow pigment components.     

EFFECT OF GAMMA IRRADIATION ON SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF SHELL EGGS AND MAYONNAISE PREPARED FROM IRRADIATED EGGS

Shell eggs were irradiated at doses of 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 kGy of gamma irradiation. Immediately after irradiation, bacterial, physical and chemical analyses of eggs and sensory evaluation of the mayonnaise prepared from irradiated egg yolk were performed. Results indicated that all doses of gamma irradiation reduced the total counts of mesophilic bacteria and total coliforms of eggs. The radiation dose required to reduce the Salmonella load one log cycle (D₁₀) in eggs was 448 Gy. Eggs irradiated with 1.5 kGy may be suitable microbiologically to prepare safe mayonnaise. There were no significant differences in saturated fatty acids (C14:0; C16:0; C18:0) and thiobarbituric acidvalues between the yolk lipid extracted from irradiated eggs and that of nonirradiated ones. Gamma irradiation reduced the viscosity of egg whites. Sensory evaluation showed no significant differences between mayonnaises prepared from irradiated and nonirradiated egg yolks.     

Comparison of radiation‐induced hydrocarbons for the identification of irradiated perilla and sesame seeds of different origins

BACKGROUND: Perilla and sesame seeds, a rich source of energy, are commonly utilized in different forms in many countries. During the post‐harvest period, they are contaminated with insects as well as microbes that may have importance for keeping quality and quarantine, and thus they can be treated with ionizing radiation for insect disinfestation and microbial decontamination. Reliable and routine methods to identify whether or not a food has been irradiated are needed to help consumers' understanding of irradiated food and promote international trade. In the present study, fat‐derived hydrocarbons from irradiated perilla seeds and sesame seeds of Korean and Chinese origin were analyzed in order to identify irradiation treatment by comparing their properties during the post‐irradiation period. RESULTS: Gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric analysis showed that several saturated hydrocarbons, such as tetradecane, pentadecane, hexadecane and heptadecane, were found in the non‐irradiated control samples, while four radiation‐induced unsaturated hydrocarbons (R² = 0.647–0.997), such as 1,7,10‐hexadecatriene (C_16:3), 1,7‐hexadecadiene (C_16:2), 6,9‐heptadecadiene (C_17:2) and 8‐heptadecene (C_17:1), were detected in all irradiated samples at 0.5 kGy or higher, with variations according to sample and origin. Concentrations of all hydrocarbons were reduced during storage and could not be detected in 0.5 kGy irradiated Chinese sample of either seed after 8 months. CONCLUSION: Radiation‐induced hydrocarbons (C_{16:3, 16:2, 17:2, 17:1}) could be used as markers to identify irradiated perilla and sesame seeds of both Korean and Chinese origin at 1 kGy or higher for 8 months' storage at room temperature. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Use of electron spin resonance measurements on irradiated sperma lentil seeds to indicate accidental irradiation

Summary The results of electron spin resonance studies on γ‐irradiated micro‐ and macrosperma lentil seeds are reported. Spectra of non‐irradiated intact sperma were composed of an equally spaced sextet originating from the presence of Mn²⁺ ions and a single weak resonance line. Irradiation produced a linear increase in the radical signal intensity in the radiation dose range (0.5–5 kGy) studied, without affecting the Mn²⁺ signal. Signal intensities of both sperma followed compound exponential decay curves originating from the presence of three different radical species. Heating the sperma cause irreversible decreases in both radical and Mn²⁺ signal intensities. Two radical species, described in the present work, and a radical of unknown origin were used to explain the experimental results.     

Microbiological,nutritional and sensory evaluation of long‐time stored amaranth biscuits produced from irradiation‐treated amaranth grain

The paper presents some results achieved by the evaluation of microbiological (total bacterial count, coliform bacteria, aerobic sporeforming bacteria, yeasts and moulds( nutritional (lysine) and sensory (shape, surface, colour consistency, taste, odour, the profiling of tastiness) quality and of the a_w values of amaranth‐based biscuits produced from the amaranth grain irradiated by various ionizing radiation doses (1.5, 3 and 5 kGy, source ⁶⁰Co) and stored for the period of 12 months at the laboratory temperature (20–25°C). The irradiation dose providing the biscuits maximum hygienic, nutritional and sensory quality maintained up to the end of the one‐year storage was 5 kGy.     

Effects of Low-dose Electron Beam Irradiation on Respiration, Microbiology, Texture, Color, and Sensory Characteristics of Fresh-cut Cantaloupe Stored in Modified-atmosphere Packages

Fresh‐cut cantaloupe was placed in modified‐atmosphere packages (4% oxygen, 10% carbon dioxide) and irradiated at 0 (control), 0.5, and 1.0 kGy. Irradiated samples had a lower and more stable rate of respiration than non‐irradiated samples over about 20 d. Total plate counts were higher (P < 0.05) in non‐irradiated control samples through day 11 (Trial 1) and for all dates tested (Trial 2). Color and texture remained stable for the duration of each study as measured by instruments and trained sensory panels. Sensory evaluation rated the 1.0‐kGy sample highest in “sweetness” and “cantaloupe flavor intensity” and lowest in “off‐flavor” after 17 (±3) d of storage. Low‐dose electron beam irradiation of fresh‐cut cantaloupe with modified‐atmosphere packaging offers promise as a method of extending shelf life.     

Combined effect of gamma-irradiation and conventional cooking onAeromonas hydrophila in meatball

Irradiation combined with a conventional cooking procedure was applied to meatball and the effects on bacterial load and inoculatedAeromonas hydrophila were determined. Meatball samples were irradiated by using a⁶⁰Co source at the dose levels of 0, 0.30,0.75,1.50,2.50 kGy and cold stored at 4±1°C for 7 days. Bacterial load and the count ofA. hydrophila decreased when the irradiation dose level increased. A minimum inhibition effect was found at the dose of 0.30 kGy. Irradiation in combination with a conventional cooking procedure was found to be more effective in reducingA. hydrophila and the bacterial load in meatball. This study indicated that a dose of 0.75 kGy was sufficient to destroy approximately 10⁴ cfu/g ofA. hydrophila in meatball.     

Characterization of Physical Properties of Flour and Starch Obtained from Gamma‐Irradiated White Rice

Physical and structural characteristics of rice flour and starch obtained from gamma‐irradiated white rice were determined. Pasting viscosities of the rice flour and starch, analyzed by using a Rapid Visco Analyser, decreased continuously with the increase in irradiation dosage. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that gelatinization onset, peak and conclusion temperatures of rice flour and starch changed slightly but the enthalpy change decreased significantly with increase of irradiation dosage. All irradiated starch displayed an A‐type X‐ray diffraction pattern like the native starch. Gel permeation chromatography showed that the blue value ratio of the first peak (amylopectin) to the second one (amylose) decreased with the increase of the irradiation dosage. The weight‐average molecular weight (M_w) and gyration radius (R_z) of amylopectin analyzed by using HPSEC‐MALLS‐RI (high‐performance size‐exclusion chromatography equipped with multiangle laser‐light scattering and refractive index detector) decreased gradually from 1.48×10⁹ (M_w) and 384.1 nm (R_z) of native rice starch to 2.36×10⁸ (M_w) and 236.8 nm of 9 kGy‐irradiated starch. The branch chain‐length distribution of amylopectins determined by HPAEC‐ENZ‐PAD (high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography with amyloglucosidase post‐column on‐line reactor and pulsed amperometric detector) showed that gamma irradiation had no significant effect on the amylopectin branch chains with 13≤DP≤24 and 37≤DP, but produced more branch chains with 6≤DP≤12 when the irradiation dosage was less than 9 kGy. It might be deduced that gamma irradiation caused the breakage of the amylopectin chains at the amorphous regions, but had little effects on the crystalline regions of starch granules, especially at low dosage irradiation.     

Destruction of Salmonella typhimurium on Chicken Wings by Gamma Radiation

No viable CFU of a streptomycin-resistant S. typhimurium were detected on chicken wings inoculated with 100 CFU and treated with 1.8 kGy or greater doses of gamma radiation at 5°C in air. The inoculated S. typhimurium did not recover from radiation injury during 3 days of refrigerated storage. Viable CFU were detected on wings inoculated with 1,000 or 10,000 CFU and irradiated with 1.8 kGy but not on those irradiated with 2.7 or greater kGy. The indigenous aerobic mesophilic population on the wings was reduced from 10⁴ to 44 CFU/cm² by 1.4 kGy.     

Effect of low‐dose irradiation on shelf life and microbiological safety of sliced carrot

Minimally processed non‐irradiated carrots (sliced) exhibited diverse microflora at initial level. During storage, bacterial number increased with the presence of pathogenic bacteria accompanied by a loss of total solids. On the other hand γ‐irradiation at an optimal dose of 2 kGy offered a pathogen‐free, hygienic product with insignificant losses in nutrients such as in sucrose, total carotenes and ascorbic acid content in comparison to controls and 2‐ to 4‐fold increased in shelf‐life at refrigeration temperature. The D₁₀ values of pathogens like Escherichia coli and Yersinia enterocolitica in carrot paste were in a lower range (0.12–0.26 kGy) compared with that of Listeria monocytogenes (0.3–0.5 kGy). The validity of the processing treatment (2 kGy) was challenged by artificially inoculating Listeria monocytogenes in the product. Thus, minimally processed carrots (sliced) are amenable to radiation treatment for extended storage stability and microbial safety. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Antimicrobial activities of spice extracts against pathogenic and spoilage bacteria in modified atmosphere packaged fresh pork and vacuum packaged ham slices stored at 4 °C

The antimicrobial activity of 14 spice extracts against four common meat spoilage and pathogenic bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Lactobacillus sake) was screened in cultured media (experiment 1). The results showed that individual extracts of clove, rosemary, cassia bark and liquorice contained strong antimicrobial activity, but the mixture of rosemary and liquorice extracts was the best inhibitor against all four types of microbes. Subsequently, mixed rosemary/liquorice extracts were spray-applied to inoculated fresh pork in modified atmosphere packaging (experiment 2) and to inoculated ham slices in vacuum packaging (experiment 3). The meat samples were stored at 4 °C over a 28-day period and microbial growth was monitored regularly. The L. monocytogenes population on fresh pork by day 28 decreased 2.9, 3.1 and 3.6 logs, the MAB decreased 2.7, 2.9 and 3.1 logs, the Pseudomonas spp. count decreased 1.6, 2.1 and 2.6 logs and the total coliform count decreased 0.6, 0.8 and 1.2 logs, corresponding to 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/ml of spray, respectively, when compared to control (P < 0.05). The number of L. monocytogenes on ham slices decreased 2.5, 2.6 and 3.0 logs, the MAB plate counts decreased 2.9, 3.0 and 3.2 logs and the LAB counts decreased 2.4, 2.6 and 2.8 logs (P < 0.05), respectively, after 28-days, by the same levels of mixed rosemary/liquorice extract treatments. The results demonstrated strong potential of mixed rosemary and liquorice as a natural preservative in fresh pork and ham products.     

GAMMA IRRADIATION IMPROVED THE QUALITY OF ONION FLAKES USED BY ARGENTINE CONSUMERS

A study was carried out on the microbiological status of local and imported packed onion flakes available at retail markets in Argentina. The effectiveness of selected doses of gamma irradiation to decontaminate imported onion flakes and the effects of irradiation on some technological properties were also investigated. Imported onion flakes were contaminated with a high percentage of spore‐forming microorganisms. Imported onion flakes were irradiated at doses of 7, 9, 11, 15, 18 and 23 kGy, and stored at temperatures between 20 and 25C, and relative humidities ranging from 50 to 80%. Irradiation doses between 7 and 11 kGy reduced the aerobic plate count by three log cycles. Doses between 7 and 15 kGy reduced yeast and mold counts by two log cycles. A dose of 7 kGy was sufficient to reduce the sulfite‐reducing Clostridia count to less than detectable levels. We concluded that a dose of at least 7 kGy was necessary to decontaminate imported dry onion marketed in Argentina. No variation in water content or water activity was attributed to selected irradiation doses. Irradiation in the 7–11 kGy range markedly increased the saline extract optical index of imported onion flakes. Gamma irradiation did not significantly affect the flavor intensity as determined by enzymatic production of pyruvic acid.     

APPLICATION OF AN IN-LINE RHEOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION METHOD TO CHEMICALLY MODIFIED AND NATIVE CORN STARCH

The application of an in‐line ultrasonics‐based rheological characterization method for measuring the rheological properties of 6% (w/v) acid‐thinned and native corn starch suspensions and gels was studied. The measurements were performed in steady, laminar pipe flow using a 5 MHz frequency transducer to determine the radial shear rate distribution. Two pressure transducers were used to measure the pressure drop allowing the shear stress distribution to be calculated through the conservation of linear momentum. It was possible to obtain shear viscosity over a range of shear rates, 1–50 1/s, from a single velocity profile. A comparison of the shear viscosity function at different flow rates showed that this method could be a valid method of process rheometry during the manufacturing of starch‐based products. Both ultrasonics and rotational rheometry results showed that acid‐thinned and native corn starch suspensions exhibited Newtonian behavior before heat treatment and non‐Newtonian behavior after heating. Power law consistency index and flow behavior index of the acid‐thinned corn starch gel at 39°C were 0.60 Pa.s ^0.68 and 0.68, respectively; whereas those of the native corn starch were 5.90 Pa.s ^0.37 and 0.37 at 38C. Their consistency index increased and flow behavior index decreased with cooling and a thermoreversible change in the flow behavior index was observed in the native corn starch after storage.