Formulation of a Nasogastric Liquid Feed and Shelf-Life Extension Using Gamma Radiation

Abstract

Nasogastric liquid feed formulation (NGLF) was developed for immunocompromised patients who are vulnerable targets of pathogenic assault. NGLF consisted of cereals, pulses, vegetables, and milk powder to provide balanced nutrients; however, the shelf life was only a few hours because this product was highly prone to microbial contamination and proliferation due to its high water content and rich nutrients. Postpreparation storage and distribution was very difficult, even at chilled temperatures. To overcome this problem, the NGLF was irradiated at various doses (2.5 to 10 kGy). Gamma irradiation at 10 kGy reduced the microbial load to nondetectable levels, and the product could be stored up to 1 month without any detectable increase in microbial load. The sensory evaluation did not indicate differences between the nonirradiated fresh, irradiated fresh, and stored samples. Nutritional quality in terms of total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, proteins, calories, vitamins A and C, and the micronutrients calcium, iron, and zinc was not affected by irradiation. NGLF also possessed antimutagenic potential against ethylmethanesulphonate-induced mutagenesis in Escherichia coli cells as evaluated by the rifampin resistance assay. This property of NGLF remained unchanged even after exposure to a 10-kGy dose of gamma radiation. Thus, irradiated NGLF seemed to be a safe and wholesome food for immunocompromised patients.

Effect of radiation hygienization of honey on its health protective properties

“…1A). In a recent study from this laboratory radiation processing (10 kGy) was not found to affect the antimutagenic property of naso-gastric liquid feed prepared for immune-compromised patients (Hajare, Gautam, Nair, & Sharma, 2014). Similar results were obtained for ready-to-eat Kimchi to be used as a space food in Korea where both non-irradiated as well as irradiated (25 kGy) samples showed no mutagenic activity in the bacterial strains of Salmonella typhimurium during Ames test (Song et al, 2009).…”

Fruits and Vegetables as Dietary Sources of Antimutagens

“…Gamma irradiation at 10 kGy reduced the microbial load of NGLF to non-detectable levels, and the packed and irradiated product could be stored even up to 1 month at 4 o C without any detectable increase in microbial load. The antimutagenic potential of irradiated NGLF was similar to unprocessed fresh control against ethyl methanesulphonate induced mutagenesis in E. coli cells as evaluated by Rif R assay [76].…”

“…This assay is advantageous due to its simplicity in deployment, the ability to provide a wide spectrum of forward mutations and low level of spontaneous mutations (approximately 1/10 8 cells) ( Figure 1). It has been extensively used recently to screen the antimutagenic potential of different foods particularly fruits, vegetables and other allied food products at Food Technology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India (Figure 2) [20,[50][51][52][53][54][55][75][76][77][78][79]. The assay is better for scoring antimutagenicity over mutagenicity.…”

Development of ambient storable meal for calamity victims and other targets employing radiation processing and evaluation of its nutritional, organoleptic, and safety parameters

“…Protein content was determined using Kjeldahl method and fat was quantified by gas chromatography (Agilent Technologies GC-FID, CA, USA) (Hajare, Gautam, Nair, & Sharma, 2014). Carbohydrate content was determined by deducting the percentage values of moisture, ash, protein, and fat from total (100%).…”

“…Vitamin A and total vitamin C were also determined as detailed earlier (Hajare et al, 2014). Iron and calcium were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry.…”