Russian researchers have identified a way to track the safety of vegetables after radiation treatment by using a distinctive fingerprinting approach, as announced by the RNF press service.
When fresh produce is stored, disinfection is often used to curb bacterial growth. In the past, chemicals were the main option, but they pose environmental and health concerns. A different method involves exposing food to high-intensity radiation, such as X-rays, which generates free radicals inside vegetables. These radicals help kill bacteria but also trigger a cascade of chemical reactions. To ensure the food remains safe and maintains its natural flavor, it is crucial to monitor the radiation dose carefully and keep it within a window that eliminates microbes without compromising the produce’s quality.
Responding to this challenge, researchers from Moscow State University proposed the fingerprinting approach. During irradiation, chemical reactions occur inside the samples, and the extent of these reactions grows with longer exposure. The molecules produced by these transformations are not present in the original vegetable. By adding selected reagents to the treated sample, scientists can determine the level of radiation by observing changes in color and the fluorescent glow of the reaction products.
In their experiments, the team used two varieties of potato tubers to demonstrate the method’s effectiveness across different plant types. The tubers underwent known doses of X-ray and electron irradiation, ranging from zero up to 10 kilogray. Thereafter, reactions were carried out using three distinct fluorescent dyes that emit light at specific wavelengths when excited. The combination of these reactions revealed clear differences between samples that received different doses. A computer algorithm distinguished the original tubers from those subjected to varied irradiation levels with accuracy reaching 100 percent for electron-beam exposure and up to 95 percent for X-ray exposure.
Researchers see the fingerprinting method as a universal tool capable of extending to monitor the composition and safety of other products subjected to radiation disinfection in future applications, broadening its potential impact on food safety standards globally. This work contributes to a growing field that seeks safer disinfection options while preserving the integrity and sensory quality of produce.
Earlier this year, there was a separate development in the United States where a nasal spray for migraine relief gained regulatory approval, highlighting ongoing advances in healthcare and related fields. (Citation: RNF press service)