Gamma radiation as a physical method to prevent mold growth and aflatoxin B1 biosynthesis

Primjena zračenja koristi se u prehrambenoj industriji kao vrlo efikasna metoda konzerviranja suhih namirnica. Gama zračenje primjenom radioaktivnog izotopa 60Co je najčešće primjenjivana metoda zbog velike količine gama-zraka koje iz njega zrače. Svjetska zdravstvena organizacija preporuča zračenje od 10 kGy kako ne bi došlo do gubitka nutritivne vrijednosti ozračenih namirnica. Stoga je cilj ovog rada bio istražiti utjecaj gama zračenja na rast plijesni Aspergillus flavus 305 i biosintezu aflatoksina B1. Primijenjene doze gama zračenja su bile od 1 – 10 kGy. Rezultati istraživanja su pokazali da je doza od 5 kGy dovoljna da zaustavi germinaciju spora plijesni Aspergillus flavus 305, rast kolonija plijesni, sporulaciju razvijenog micelija plijesni i biosintezu aflatoksina B1.Radiation is used in the food industry as a highly efficient method of preserving dried foods. Gamma radiation that applies radioactive isotope 60Co is the most commonly used method because of large amounts of gamma-rays that emanate from it. The World Health Organization recommends radiation of 10 kGy in order to avoid loss of nutritive value of radiated foods. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of gamma radiation on the growth of Aspergillus flavus 305 and biosynthesis of aflatoxin B1. Administered dose of gamma radiation were 1-10 kGy. The results showed that a dose of 5 kGy is sufficient to stop the germination of spores of Aspergillus flavus 305, growth of mold colonies, sporulation of the mycelium of developed mold and aflatoxin B1 biosynthesis