Measurement of the Inactivation of Ochratoxin by Gamma Radiation. An example of the Potential use of Ionizing Radiation in decontamination of chemical agents

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a compound produced in foods by molds that may cause harm to humans and animals such as induction of cancer. Therefore, to ensure food security is necessary to reduce the content of OTA in food. Irradiation is a processing technique that consists in the exhibition of products of ionizing radiation action for technological improvements. Ionizing radiation can also act in the inactivation of toxins by promoting degradation of the same by the formation of radiolytic products. The present study aimed to verify the action of doses of 1, 3 and 5 kGy in the inactivation of ochratoxin A (OTA) in model solutions. To quantify the reduction of the content of toxins in the samples tested we used chromatographic techniques and the data obtained were analyzed statistically. We also investigated the possible radiolytic products formed by analyzing for Mass Spectrometry High-resolution electro spray ionization. The results reveal that ionizing radiation has the potential to reduce the toxicity of products contaminated with OTA with considerable inactivation of the same from the lowest applied dose (1 kGy). It was found that the main radiolytic products are obtained by oxidation with formation of products of the breaking of bonds, preferably in the branches. The identification of the main radiolytic products shows that they are less toxic than the original. Thus, the application of ionizing radiation is presented as a viable alternative to chemical decontamination.