Electron paramagnetic resonance of gamma‐irradiated cellulose and lignocellulosic material

N. DEIGHTON, S. M. GLIDEWELL, B. A. GOODMAN, I. M. MORRISON

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25 Scopus citations

Abstract

The detection by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of free radical centres trapped in cellulosic materials has been proposed as a potential method for the identification of irradiated foodstuffs of plant origin. However, the published spectra of irradiated cellulose show distinct differences from those obtained from unpurified cellulosic materials. In an attempt to explain these differences we have carried out a detailed investigation of the EPR spectra of gamma‐irradiated celluloses and of the products from a lignocellulosic material (oat straw) that had been subjected to various chemical treatments. We conclude that chemical treatments of cellulosic material involving strong alkali (15% in the present measurements) during purification result in subtle structural alterations which produce a different chemical environment for the unpaired electron that is trapped on irradiation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)45-55
Number of pages11
JournalInternational Journal of Food Science & Technology
Volume28
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1993

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Food Science
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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