Homogenization of food samples for gamma spectrometry using protease

• Published in: Journal of radioanalytical and nuclear chemistry Vol. 318; no. 1; pp. 401 - 406
• Main Authors: Nishikawa, Kimi, Bari, Abdul, Khan, A. J., Li, Xin, Menia, Traci, Semkow, Thomas M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01-10-2018; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Background radiation; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Diagnostic Radiology; Food; Hadrons; Heavy Ions; Homogenization; Inorganic Chemistry; Laboratory equipment; Meals; Meat; Nuclear Chemistry; Nuclear Physics; Organic chemistry; Physical Chemistry; Protease; Proteases; Radioisotopes; Scientific imaging; Spectrometry; Spectroscopy; Sample homogenization; Atmospheric deposition; Radiological emergency; Protease; Gamma spectrometry; Ultra-low background Ge detector
• ISSN: 0236-5731; 1588-2780
• DOI: 10.1007/s10967-018-6065-0

We previously reported a food preparation method for gamma spectrometry during radiological emergencies aimed at developing best compromises between degree of homogenization, accuracy, speed, and minimizing laboratory equipment contamination. We now propose an additional method using the protease bromelain that can homogenize meats and composite meals containing both meat and starch in ~ 1 h without high heat or harsh chemicals. Additionally, we show evidence from studies with environmental samples suggesting the potential utility of these homogenization methods for use with atmospherically deposited radionuclides using naturally occurring
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Be as a model.