SOME ASPECTS OF RADIATION-INDUCED FREE RADICAL REACTIONS AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF FREE RADICAL ACCEPTORS

Journal Article · Thu Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1959 · Intern. J. Appl. Radiation and Isotopes

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0020-708X(59)90090-0· OSTI ID:4239920

Uri, N

The exact nature of the radiation-- chemical primary act is controversial but there is little doubt that a major role is played by secondary reactions in which free radicals participate. Some of the most undesirable side effects in food irradiation would be produced by free radicals, particularly when they can cause a chain reaction. The study of radiation-induced oxidative rancidity, which is a chain reaction, and its innibition by free radical acceptors is, therefore, both of fundamental and of practical importance. In order to reach the backbone of the mechanism it is advantageous to work with pure linoleic acid and its esters. Some protection against radiation effects can be achieved by energy transfer, but this mode of action could not be efficient once free radicals are formed. A detailed study of free radical acceptors is, therefore, necessary. Some of their essential properties are outlined and a comparison is made between their efficiency in thermal oxidative rancidity and radiation-induced oxidative rancidity. This outline includes newly synthesized polyhydroxyflavones and special emphasis is placed on the apparent significance of amino derivatives. The importance of dose rate is also indicated and application to milk is mentioned. Finally, the concept of radio-antibiotics is introduced and the prospects of efficient free radical acceptors are summarized. (auth)

• Research Organization: Ministry of Agriculture, Aberdeen, Scotland
• NSA Number: NSA-14-001282
• OSTI ID: 4239920
• Journal Information: Intern. J. Appl. Radiation and Isotopes, Journal Name: Intern. J. Appl. Radiation and Isotopes Vol. Vol: 6
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
LINOLEIC ACID
ORGANIC ACIDS