Carnosine Increases Irradiation Resistance of <i>Aeromonas hydrophila</i> in Minced Turkey Meat

Abstract

ABSTRACT The effect of carnosine on irradiation inactivation kinetics of Aeromonas hydrophilawas studied. In phosphate buffer, carnosine had no effect on survival of the pathogen, whereas in turkey meat supplemented with carnosine the adverse effect of irradiation on A. hydrophila was reduced. Peroxy radicals were toxic to A. hydrophila , and this effect was counteracted by carnosine. Accordingly, in a kinetic test carnosine was capable of scavenging peroxy radicals. These results indicate that a free radical scavenger antioxidant such as carnosine can increase the radiation resistance of A. hydrophila in meat due to the inhibition of lipid peroxidation caused by radiolysis.