Scopus Indexed Publications

Paper Details


Title
Radiation processed polysaccharides in food production, preservation and packaging applications
Author
Nasima Akter Mukta,
Email
Abstract

Radiation application in foods have commercially started since 1990s, however, from the dawn of civilization there is a trend of utilization of UV radiation from sunrays in food preservation like dry fish, dry meat, dry fruit, pickle, etc. Irradiated polymers to be used in different food related purposes are now under vigorous research along with the concept of irradiating the food itself. All the benefits of food irradiation are almost to achieve by applying irradiated polymers on them. Moreover, irradiated polymers have already proven significant role in agricultural production. Directly radiation processed foods have the possibility of having adverse effects on human health due to change in its nutritional or biochemical aspects. Several irradiated polymers both natural and synthetic have already been analyzed in food sector and revealed as safe to human health. Radiation processed polysaccharides are probably the most extensively applied materials in food sector compared to the application of other polymers. Plant derived polysaccharides such as starch, cellulose, glucomannan, pectin, etc., marine sourced polysaccharides such as chitin, chitosan, carrageenan, alginate, agar, etc., are the forefront in radiation processing application. In food production irradiated polysaccharides are applied in two arenas; one is agricultural production and other is industrial production. In agriculture, the polymers have influences in plant growth promotion, soil nutrification, fruit germination, fruit production, etc. In industrial food production, these polymers are actually applied as coatings on foods in the purpose of extending their shelf life without altering their nutritional value. Irradiated polysaccharides have found to apply on several types of foods such fresh fruit, herbs and vegetables, spices and grains, frozen foods such as fish, poultry, pork, etc., for preservation purpose. These polymers are also used in food packaging either in the form of soft film or foam. This kind of packaging can be edible in some cases and completely safe to human health.

Keywords
Radiation Polysaccharides Food processing Preservation Packaging Agriculture
Journal or Conference Name
Radiation-Processed Polysaccharides: Emerging Roles in Agriculture
Publication Year
2021
Indexing
scopus