Effect of gamma irradiation on the texture and microstructure of chicken breast meat

This study investigated the textural and microstructural properties of chicken breast meat exposed to gamma irradiation ((60)Cobalt) and stored at 4 °C. Textural properties of the irradiated (n=27) and unirradiated chicken breasts (control) were determined by measuring shear force and cooking loss at day 0 and at 2-day intervals for a 14-day refrigerated storage period. In addition, microstructural changes of the irradiated and unirradiated chicken breasts were compared. Irradiated chicken breasts had more cooking loss and higher (P<0.0001) shear force than unirradiated chicken breasts. Transmission electron microscopy showed significant differences (P<0.0001) in size of myofibril units (sarcomeres) between irradiated and unirradiated breast. Shrinkage in sarcomere width (myofibril diameter) and disruption of myofibrils in irradiated breast meat were also noticed when compared with unirradiated breast meat.