Effects of Gamma Irradiation on the Fermentative Microorganisms and Lactate Dehydrogenase Activity in Kimchi at Different Fermentation Stages

Gamma irradiation treatment was performed at the early and mid-fermentation stages of Kimchi preparation. Changes in fermentative microorganisms and lactate dehydrogenase activity during the fermentation periods were investigated to determine proper irradiation point for extending the shelf life of Kimchi. Initial levels of acid producing bacteria and yeast in Kimchi were 10⁴ CFU g^(-1) and 10¹ CFU g^(-1), and reached up to 10^9 CFU g^(-1) after 15 days and 10^7 CFU g^(-1) after fermentation for 30 days at 10℃, respectively. The radiation resistance of acid producing bacteria in the earlier stage (D_10 value was 0.87 kGy) was higher than at the midfermentation stage (after 10 days at 10℃, D_(10) value was 0.69 kGy). Microbial growth and lactate dehydrogenase activity were inhibited significantly by gamma irradiation at the early fermentation stage of Kimchi and acidification was effectively delayed during the subsequent storage period. Although the growth of fermentative microorganisms was inhibited by gamma irradiation at the mid-fermentation stage of Kimchi, lactate dehydrogenase activity was maintained and acidification continued during the storage period.

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