Effect of Electron Beam Irradiation on Viscosity and Degradation of Corn Meal

Corn meal was exposed to electron beam irradiation with doses ranging from 0.00 to 5.40 kGy. The effects of electron beam irradiation on corn meal pasting viscosity and degradation were compared. Pasting properties, viscosity and amylase content decreased significantly (P < 0.05) upon increasing the irradiation dose. Soluble solids of corn meal also increased with increasing irradiation dose. Amylose and soluble solids content increase indicated that electron beam irradiation causes the degradation of corn meal. Observation under scanning electron microscope revealed surface cracking and smaller size of the granules treated by electron beam irradiation which increased with increase in irradiation dose. The low viscosity and degradation of corn meal might have positive effect on enzymatic hydrolysis in industrial and food formulations.