Change in the enzymatic dual function of the peroxiredoxin protein by gamma irradiation

PP1084 protein was exposed to gamma irradiation ranging from 5 to 500 kGy. Native PAGE showed minor structural changes in PP1084 at 5 kGy, and major structural changes at >15 kGy. Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) showed the formation of a new shoulder peak when the protein was irradiated with 15 and 30 kGy, and a double peak appeared at 100 kGy. The results of PAGE and SEC imply that PP1084 protein is degraded by gamma irradiation, with simultaneous oligomerization. PP1084 chaperone activity reached the highest level at 30 kGy of gamma irradiation, and then, decreased in a dose-dependent manner with increasing gamma irradiation. However, the peroxidase activity significantly decreased following exposure to all intensities of gamma irradiation. The improvement of chaperone activity using gamma irradiation might be promoted by the oligomeric structures containing covalently cross-linked amino acids. Consequently, PP1084 modification using gamma irradiation could elevate chaperone activity by about 3–4 folds compared to the non-irradiated protein.     

Effects of electron beam irradiation on chemical composition,antinutritional factors,ruminal degradation and in vitro protein digestibility of canola meal

The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of electron beam (EB) irradiation at doses of 15, 30 and 45 kGy on the nutritional value of canola meal. The phytic acid and total glucosinolate content of EB-irradiated canola meal decreased as irradiation doses increased (P<0.01). From in situ results, irradiation of canola meal at doses of 45 kGy decreased (P<0.05) the effective degradibility of crude protein (CP) by 14%, compared with an untreated sample. In vitro CP digestibility of EB-irradiated canola meal at doses of 15 and 30 kGy was improved (P<0.05). Electrophoresis results showed that napin and cruciferin sub-units of 30 and 45 kGy EB-irradiated canola meal were more resistant to degradation, compared with an untreated sample. Electron beam irradiation was effective in protecting CP from ruminal degradation and reducing antinutritional factors of irradiated canola meal.     

Reinforcement of natural rubber/high density polyethylene blends with electron beam irradiated liquid natural rubber-coated rice husk

Coating of rice husk (RH) surface with liquid natural rubber (LNR) and exposure to electron beam irradiation in air were studied. FTIR analysis on the LNR-coated RH (RHR) exposed to electron beam (EB) showed a decrease in the double bonds and an increase in hydroxyl and hydrogen bonded carbonyl groups arising from the chemical interaction between the active groups on RH surface with LNR. The scanning electron micrograph showed that the LNR formed a coating on the RH particles which transformed to a fine and clear fibrous layer at 20 kGy irradiation. The LNR film appeared as patches at 50 kGy irradiation due to degradation of rubber. Composites of natural rubber (NR)/high density polyethylene (HDPE)/RHR showed an optimum at 20–30 kGy dosage with the maximum stress, tensile modulus and impact strength of 6.5, 79 and 13.2 kJ/m², respectively. The interfacial interaction between the modified RH and TPNR matrix had improved on exposure of RHR to e-beam at 20–30 kGy dosage.     

Effect of electron beam irradiation on dynamic mechanical,thermal and morphological properties of LLDPE and PDMS rubber blends

The effect of electron beam irradiation on the blends of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and poly dimethyl siloxane rubber (PDMS) prepared over a wide range of compositions starting from 70:30 to 30:70 (LLDPE: PDMS) by varying the radiation doses from 50 to 300 kGy has been studied. The dynamic modulii and dielectric strength of the blends increase on irradiation at 100 kGy as compared to that for the unirradiated blends. Degree of crystallinity and melting behaviour remain unchanged upon irradiation upto a dose of 100 kGy, beyond which it decreases. Thermal stability increases with increase in the proportion of PDMS rubber in the blend as well as on irradiation at 100 kGy. The phase morphology of the blends examined under the SEM exhibit two phase morphology before electron beam irradiation, whereas single phase morphology is observed after electron beam irradiation due to intra- as well as inter-molecular crosslinking leading to a miscible system.     

Gamma polymorph and branching formation as inductors of resistance to electron beam irradiation in metallocene isotactic polypropylene

The influence of a wide dose range of electron beam (EB) irradiation is analyzed on films obtained from metallocene isotactic polypropylene (iPP) under two different thermal processing conditions. A greater irradiation resistance is observed in those films with content in γ crystallites higher than in α monoclinic entities in terms of melting temperature variation with irradiation. This change is on the order of 0.5 °C per 100 kGy in slowly crystallized films while a value of 1.5 °C per 100 kGy is found in quenched specimens. On the other hand, dual studies on films and pellets have proved that branching takes place in this metallocene iPP. The scission processes that occur during irradiation cannot account by themselves for the observed changes in molecular weight distribution as demonstrated by simulation. The observed changes in the rheological behaviour of the irradiated iPP corroborate that increasing degrees of branching are generated by the irradiation process.     

Cross-linking of poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) films by electron beam irradiation

Biocompatible hydrogels based on poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) were synthesized by electron beam irradiation of the dry polymer under various conditions. Sol–gel analysis of the bulk gel (in mm range) gave a dose of gelation of 94 kGy. As seen for various other polymers, the network density rises with the increase in dose. At around 350 kGy, PVP began to decompose. Based on these observations, films in μm range on a silicon wafer were synthesized by electron beam irradiation. Due to irradiation, the films adhered irreversibly on the wafer. Their swelling behavior was analyzed by ellipsometry.     

Natural products triptolide,celastrol, and withaferin A inhibit the chaperone activity of peroxiredoxin I

Peroxiredoxin I (Prx I) plays an important role in cancer development and inflammation. It is a dual-functional protein which acts as both an antioxidant enzyme and a molecular chaperone. While there have been intensive studies on its peroxidase activity, Prx I''s chaperone activity remains elusive, likely due to the lack of chaperone inhibitors. Here we report that natural product triptolide selectively inhibits the chaperone activity of Prx I, but not its peroxidase activity. Through direct interaction with corresponding cysteines, triptolide triggers dissociation of high-molecular-weight oligomers of Prx I, and thereby inhibits its chaperone activity in a dose-dependent manner. We have also identified celastrol and withaferin A as novel Prx I chaperone inhibitors that are even more potent than triptolide in the chaperone activity assay. By revealing the exact molecular mechanisms of interaction and inhibition, the current study provides the first Prx I chaperone inhibitors as promising pharmacological tools for modulating and dissecting the chaperone function of Prx I.     

Effects of gamma and electron beam irradiation on the survival of pathogens inoculated into sliced and pizza cheeses

The objective of this study was to identify the efficacy of gamma and electron beam irradiation of the food-borne pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus) in sliced and pizza cheeses commercially available in the Korean market. Total aerobic bacteria and yeast/mold in the cheeses ranged from 10² to 10³ Log CFU/g. Irradiation of 1 kGy for sliced cheese and 3 kGy for pizza cheese were sufficient to lower the total aerobic bacteria to undetectable levels (10¹ CFU/g). Pathogen inoculation test revealed that gamma irradiation was more effective than electron beam irradiation at the same absorbed dose, and the ranges of the D₁₀ values were from 0.84 to 0.93 kGy for L. monocytogenes and from 0.60 to 0.63 kGy for S. aureus. Results suggest that a low dose irradiation can improve significantly the microbial quality and reduce the risk of contamination of sliced and pizza cheeses by the food-borne pathogens which can potentially occur during processing.     

Degradation and stability of polyaniline on exposure to electron beam irradiation (structure-property relationship)

Polyaniline (PAni) was prepared by electrochemical polymerization and subjected to different doses of electron beam (EB) irradiation. The effect of EB irradiation causes both chain scission and cross-linking process in PAni, which depends on irradiation dose. The degree of chain scission and cross-linking in PAni by EB irradiation is characterized through XRD, TGA, DSC, solubility, EPR and electrical properties measurement. The results reveal that with increase in EB irradiation dose from 0 to 150 kGy DC and AC conductivity and dielectric constant are found to increase mainly due to the chain scission or further doping in PAni. Due to irradiation there is change in the structure of PAni, such as decrease in the d-spacing, inter-chain separation, thermal stability and T_g but increase in the percent crystallinity and solubility. With further increase in the EB irradiation dose from 150 kGy onwards the DC and AC conductivity and dielectric constant are decreased due to the cross-link formation or dedoping in PAni, which causes the decrease in percentage of crystallinity and solubility and increase in d-spacing, inter-chain separation, thermal stability and T_g of PAni.     

Determination of the changes of antifungal properties of Satureja hortensis,Thymus vulgaris and Thymbra spicata exposed to gamma irradiation

In this research, changes in the antifungal activity of the extract of Satureja hortensis, Thymus vulgaris and Thymbra spicata exposed to gamma irradiation against two aflatoxigenic moulds Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999 and 465 were investigated. The samples of dry plant leaf powder were irradiated with doses of 1.2, 3.0, 5.1 kGy. While the antifungal activity of S. hortensis with 0 and 1.2 kGy dose irradiation against A. parasiticus NRRL 2999 was found to be similar, it decreased with 3.0 and 5.1 kGy irradiation doses (P<0.05). On the contrary, antifungal activity of T. spicata increased until 3.0 kGy and then it decreased with 5.1 kGy irradiation dose (P<0.05). For T. vulgaris, an increase of irradiation dose resulted in a decrease of antifungal activity against aflatoxigenic moulds. This research shows that antifungal properties of some spices can be changed by gamma irradiation.     

Correlation of processing parameters and in situ temperatures for electron beam irradiated polycarbonate

Temperature measurements were performed for polycarbonate samples under electron beam irradiation for a total dose of 200 kGy at different dose fractionations. The samples were irradiated with a commercial electron beam accelerator and total dose was applied at different number of passes under the beam. Peak temperatures by beam heating obtained during irradiation varied significantly with different amounts of energy deposited per pass. For one-pass irradiation (200 kGy), the peak temperature recorded exceeded the polycarbonate's glass transition temperature.     

Physicochemical and functional characteristics of radiation-processed shrimp chitosan

The effects of gamma irradiation on chitosan samples were determined in terms of physicochemical and functional properties. Shrimp chitosan was extracted from shell using a chemical process involving demineralization, deproteinization, decolorization and deacetylation. Commercial snow chitosan was also used. Samples (in a solid state) were given irradiation dose of 25 kGy at a dose rate of 1.1013 kGy/h in air and 0 kGy samples were used as controls. Results showed that moisture contents were between 8.690% and 13.645%. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the degree of deacetylation of the chitosan samples. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in the viscosity and viscosity-average molecular weight of the chistosan samples. Viscosity and molecular weight decreased when the samples were given the irradiation dose of 25 kGy. Chitosan samples had low antioxidant activity compared with BHT. Water binding capacity ranged from 582.40% to 656.75% and fat binding capacity was between 431.00% and 560.55%. Irradiation had a major effect on the viscosity and the viscosity-average molecular weight of the chitosan samples.     

Electron beam irradiation of fluoropolymers containing polyethers

A highly fluorinated monomer, 1,3-bis(1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-pentafluorophenyl methoxy-2-propyl)benzene (12F-FBE) was polymerized with some diphenols by polycondensation and then was electron beam irradiated between 100 and 1000 kGy to determine degradation radiochemistry yield (G_s) by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The samples were characterized after irradiation by DSC, FTIR, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The fluoropolymers show apparent degradation in mechanical properties at 300 kGy, except 12F-FBE polymerized with biphenol and bisphenol A, when they did not show any apparent physical change up to 300 kGy; and continue to be flexible and transparent, with a radiochemical yield scission (G_s) of 0.75, 0.53, 0.88, and 0.38 for 12F-FBE/SDL aliphatic, 12F-FBE/biphenol, 12F-FBE/bisphenol A, and 12F-FBE/bisphenol O, respectively. The number average molecular weights for three of the polymers decrease upon 1000 kGy irradiation to 10% of their original values; however, the polymer from bisphenol A is much more stable and its M_n decreases to only 24% of original.     

Effects of electron beam irradiation on the microbial growth and quality of beef jerky during storage

Electron beam irradiation was applied to improve the microbial safety of beef jerky during storage. Beef jerky samples were irradiated at doses of 1, 3, 5, and 10 kGy and stored at 20 °C for 60 d. Microbiological data indicated that the populations of total aerobic bacteria significantly decreased with increasing irradiation dosage. In particular, the populations of total aerobic bacteria were significantly decreased by 1.76 log CFU/g at 10 kJ/m², compared to the control. Color measurements showed reduced Hunter L and a values of beef jerky for all the treatments during storage, and the Hunter L, a, and b values of beef jerky were not significantly different among the treatments. Sensory evaluation results also showed that electron beam irradiation did not affect sensory scores in overall during storage. Therefore, the results suggest that electron beam irradiation could be useful in improving the microbial safety without impairing the quality of beef jerky during storage.     

Influence of electron beam irradiation on growth of Phytophthora cinnamomi and its control in substrates

Very extensive production procedure, especially in plants growing under covering, require methods, which would allow quick elimination or substantial reduction of populations of specific pathogens without affecting the growth and development of the cultivated plants. Among soil-borne pathogens, the Phytophthora species are especially dangerous for horticultural plants. In this study, irradiation with electron beam was applied to control Phytophthora cinnamomi. The influence of irradiation dose on the reduction of in vitro growth and the population density of the pathogen in treated peat and its mixture with composted pine bark (1:1), as well as the health of Chamaecyparis lawsoniana and Lavandula angustifolia plants were evaluated. Application of irradiation at a dose of 1.5 kGy completely inhibited the in vitro development of P. cinnamomi. This irradiation effect was connected with the disintegration of the hyphae and spores of the species. Irradiation of peat and its mixture with composted pine bark with 10 kGy resulted in the inhibition of stem base rot development in Ch. lawsoniana. Symptoms of the disease were not observed when the substrates were treated with 15 kGy. In the case of L. angustifolia, stem root rot was not observed on cuttings transplanted to infected peat irradiated at a dose of 10 kGy. Irradiation of the horticultural substrates did not affect plant growth.     

Influence of electron beam irradiation on physicochemical properties of poly(trimethylene carbonate)

Electron beam (EB) irradiation of poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC), an amorphous, biodegradable polymer used in the field of biomaterials, results in predominant cross-linking and finally in the formation of gel fraction, thus enabling modification of physicochemical properties of this material without significant changes in its chemical structure. PTMC films (M_w: 167-553 kg mol⁻¹) were irradiated with different doses using an electron accelerator. Irradiation with a standard sterilization dose of 25 kGy caused neither significant changes in the chemical composition of the polymer nor significant deterioration of its mechanical properties. Changes in viscosity-, number-, weight-, and z-average molecular weights of PTMC for doses lower than the gelation dose (D_g) as well as gel-sol analysis and swelling tests for doses above D_g indicate domination of cross-linking over degradation. EB irradiation can be considered as an effective tool for increasing the average molecular weight of PTMC and sterilization of PTMC-based biomaterials.     

Stability of a salicylate-based poly(anhydride-ester) to electron beam and gamma radiation

The effect of electron beam and gamma radiation on the physicochemical properties of a salicylate-based poly(anhydride-ester) was studied by exposing polymers to 0 (control), 25 and 50 kGy. After radiation exposure, salicylic acid release in vitro was monitored to assess any changes in drug release profiles. Molecular weight, glass transition temperature and decomposition temperature were evaluated for polymer chain scission and/or crosslinking as well as changes in thermal properties. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopies were also used to determine polymer degradation and/or chain scission. In vitro cell studies were performed to identify cytocompatibility following radiation exposure. These studies demonstrate that the physicochemical properties of the polymer are not substantially affected by exposure to electron beam and gamma radiation.     

Thermal and spectroscopic analysis of florfenicol irradiated in the solid-state

The study has been undertaken to check the effect of ionising radiation on the physical and chemical properties of florfenicol, an antibiotic of a wide range of antibacterial activity. The solid-state samples were subjected to an electron beam generated by accelerator corresponding to the doses of 25, 100 and 400 kGy, and the effect of the exposure was analysed by the methods not requiring changes in the state (with no preliminary treatment), such as SEM, DSC, FTIR, XRD, EPR and HPLC. Florfenicol irradiated with a dose of 25 kGy has not changed the form or colour, however, a small increase in intensity of some absorption bands in the FTIR spectrum and of some peaks in the XRD pattern, a decrease in the melting point by 0.6°C, the appearance of free radicals and a loss in the FF content within the error of the method (0.91%) have been observed. After irradiation with greater doses (100 and 400 kGy) the changes have intensified, yellow discolouration appeared and the loss of FF content has increased to 6.39%. As follows from the results, the compound studied in solid-state undergoes radiolysis after e-beam irradiation in the doses ≥25 kGy, but lower doses (15–20 kGy) can be applied for its decontamination or sterilization with no adverse effect on its physico-chemical properties.     

Electron beam irradiation induces abnormal development and the stabilization of p53 protein of American serpentine leafminer, Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess)

The American serpentine leafminer fly, Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess), is one of the most destructive polyphagous pests worldwide. In this study, we determined electron beam doses for inhibition of normal development of the leaf miner and investigated the effect of electron beam irradiation on DNA damage and p53 stability. Eggs (0-24 h old), larvae (2nd instar), puparia (0-24 h old after pupariation) and adults (24 h after emergence) were irradiated with increasing doses of electron beam irradiation (six levels between 30 and 200 Gy). At 150 Gy, the number of adults that developed from irradiated eggs, larvae and puparia was lower than in the untreated control. Fecundity and egg hatchability decreased depending on the doses applied. Reciprocal crosses between irradiated and unirradiated flies demonstrated that males were more radiotolerant than females. Adult longevity was not affected in all stages. The levels of DNA damage in L. trifolii adults were evaluated using the alkaline comet assay. Our results indicate that electron beam irradiation increased levels of DNA damage in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, low doses of electron beam irradiation led to the rapid appearance of p53 protein within 6 h; however, it decreased after exposure to high doses (150 Gy and 200 Gy). These results suggest that electron beam irradiation induced not only abnormal development and reproduction but also p53 stability caused by DNA damage in L. trifolii. We conclude that a minimum dose of 150 Gy should be sufficient for female sterilization of L. trifolii.     

Investigation of electron beam irradiation effects on anti-nutritional factors, chemical composition and digestion kinetics of whole cottonseed, soybean and canola seeds

This study was completed to determine effects of electron beam (EB) irradiation at doses of 15, 30 and 45 kGy on anti-nutritional factors, ruminal degradation and in vitro crude protein (CP) digestibility of whole cottonseed (WCS), soybean (SB) and canola seeds (CS). EB-irradiation eliminated completely (P<0.001) phytic acid of WCS, SB and CS at a dose of 30 kGy. EB-irradiation decreased linearly (P<0.001) the total glucosinolate content of CS. Trypsin inhibitor activity of 15, 30 and 45 kGy EB-irradiated SB was decreased by 19, 73 and 88%, respectively. Free gossypol content of WCS was reduced linearly (P<0.001) by irradiation. EB-irradiation increased linearly (P<0.001) CP digestibility of feeds. In conclusion, EB-irradiation was an effective processing method for improving the nutritive value of WCS, SB and CS.