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Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Depolymerization and Property Changes of Gum Tragacanth
Boontiwa Ninchan1,2, Parimitta Chauywongyart1, Teerawat Utapong3
1Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.
International Journal of Biomaterials
|December 9, 2024
Summary
Gamma irradiation effectively depolymerizes gum tragacanth (GT), a heteropolysaccharide, by increasing monosaccharides and degradation. Higher doses lead to significant structural and physicochemical property changes, including reduced viscosity and altered color.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Radiation Chemistry
Background:
- Gum tragacanth (GT) is a valuable heteropolysaccharide used in food and pharmaceuticals.
- Depolymerization is a key process for modifying polysaccharide properties.
- High-energy nonthermal processes like irradiation offer potential for controlled depolymerization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of various gamma irradiation doses on the structural and physicochemical properties of gum tragacanth.
- To understand the dose-dependent relationship between gamma irradiation and GT degradation.
Main Methods:
- Gum tragacanth samples were exposed to a range of gamma irradiation doses (2.5 to 2000 kGy).
- Structural changes were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
- Physicochemical properties including monosaccharide composition, degradation percentage, viscosity, and color were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Gamma irradiation induced depolymerization of GT, evidenced by increased monosaccharide content (L-arabinose, D-galactose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-fucose, L-rhamnose) and higher degradation percentages.
- FTIR analysis revealed structural modifications, including increased free O-H and C-O bonding and the presence of carboxylic groups (COOH) in irradiated samples.
- Physicochemical changes included decreased viscosity and noticeable color alterations, both directly correlated with increasing gamma irradiation doses.
Conclusions:
- Gamma irradiation is an effective method for the comprehensive degradation of gum tragacanth.
- The extent of GT degradation and associated property changes are directly proportional to the applied gamma radiation dose.
- Irradiated GT exhibits altered structural and physicochemical characteristics, offering potential for modified applications in various industries.
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