Abstract:
The present invention provides a color indicator dosimeter system to detect and quantify a dosage of ionizing radiation in a wide range wherein said system comprises phenolic glycoside as one of the components. The present invention also relates to a method for using dosimeter system as described hereinabove for detecting and quantifying a dosage of ionizing radiation in a wide range.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a dosimeter system and a method for using the same. More particularly, the invention relates to a dosimeter and method for using the same to detect and quantify a dosage of ionizing radiation in a wide range. 
     BACKGROUND AND THE PRIOR ART 
     Many aroma components are present in bound form in food materials and a majority of them are bound with carbohydrates with β-D-linkages. This was first shown by Gunata et al in grapes. 
     To improve flavor of food products researchers are using glycosidase enzymes for breaking β-D-linkage. Breakdown of aroma glycosides during irradiation processing was first shown by present group while working on nutmeg. Previous studies showed some increase in phenolic acids and aroma due to irradiation processing but the type of linkage broken i.e. whether ester as in case of phenolic acid or β-D as in case of aroma glycosides was not confirmed. 
     While working on fenugreek irradiation it was found that volatile phenol is being released. Further studies confirmed that phenol was released due to breakdown from phenyl glucoside. 
     Color indicator dosimeters of ionizing radiation are widely employed for determining and monitoring the dosage of ionizing radiation (gamma rays, X-rays and high-energy electrons) in a broad range of doses and dose rates 
     There exist a range of color indicator dosimeters of ionizing radiation, a majority of them incorporates an acid sensitive dye responsive to ionizing radiation. Which changes color on exposure to such radiation Methyl red, methyl orange, dimethyl yellow are few examples for above said dosimeters. 
     It is known in art dosimeters based on ferrous ammonium sulfate (FX), which are currently used as reference standard. Aforesaid FX dosimeters are available with many variations suitable for different dose ranges. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,001,587 discloses a color indicator-dosimeter of ionizing radiation, comprising from 70 to 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic polymer, from 10 to 40 parts by weight of a plasticizer, from 0.5 to 3.0 parts by weight of a stabilizer and two dyes compatible with said polymer, one of said dyes being incorporated in the color indicator-dosimeter to the extent of from 0.007 to 0.01 part by weight and having a G value of decolorization in said polymer of from 0.05 to 0.1 molecule/100 eV, with the absorption maximum thereof lying in the 450 to 590 nm spectral range, whereas the other of said two dyes is incorporated in the color indicator-dosimeter to the extent of from 0.015 to 0.03 part by weight and has a G value of decolorization in said polymer of from 0.15 to 1.5 molecule/100 eV, with the absorption maximum thereof lying in the 600 to 720 nm spectral range. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,657 discloses a dosimeter that detects ionizing radiation, comprising: (a) a breakable sealed container; (b) a solution comprising a reducing agent inside said sealed container; (c) a silver salt (AgX) selected from the group consisting of silver chloride, silver bromide, silver iodide, and mixtures thereof; and (d) an air-tight dosimeter body having a transparent portion and an opaque portion, said transparent portion including a transparent chamber for receiving said sealed breakable container, said opaque portion including an opaque chamber for receiving the silver salt and a winding passageway that separates and provides fluid communication between said transparent chamber and said opaque chamber. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,132 a dosimeter comprising a support having provided thereon a radiation-sensitive (color-changing) layer which comprises (a) a polymer containing halogen atoms or a polymer containing acetic acid groups and (b) a pH-sensitive indicator dye capable of changing color according to the change in pH. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,057,226 discloses a mixing device comprising a vessel and an agitator extending into the vessel and formed by an approximately vertical shaft and approximately radially extending blades, said agitator being eccentrically journalled in the vessel and being such that it describes a closed path. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,788,126 discloses a radiation dosimeter comprising a support having a layer of microcapsules on the surface thereof, said microcapsules containing an image-forming agent and a radiation curable composition, said composition being essentially insensitive to visible light and ultraviolet radiation and being sensitive to gamma electron beam radiation such that when exposed to gamma or electron beam radiation, said composition polymerizes and hardens said microcapsules. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,349 discloses a method of monitoring photochemotherapy during treatment of abnormal tissue which comprises directing photochemotherapy radiation to an abnormal tissue; providing at least one photochemotherapy dosimeter having an optical fiber and a chemical cell attached to an end of said optical fiber which chemical cell contains a photobleachable chemical; positioning said at least one photochemotherapy dosimeter near said abnormal tissue so that said chemical cell of said at least one photochemotherapy dosimeter receives said photochemotherapy radiation; and detecting changes in optical radiation absorption of said photobleachable chemical in said chemical cell. 
     One of the disadvantages of the indicator dosimeters presently available stem directly from the use of acid sensitive dye as the element responsive to ionizing radiation. Dyes of this sort are pH indicators, changing their color while reacting with an acid, which is formed during radiation of dosimeter. 
     Dye based indicators have poor light stability in pre as well as post irradiation condition. Also FX based dosimeters have a disadvantage that they are not applicable to both lower and high dose measurements. Also, above said FX based systems give non-linear response at higher doses. 
     The present inventors have now found that the use of phenolic glycoside based color indicator dosimeters permits detection and measurement of ionizing radiation in a wide range of 20 Gy to 25 kGy. Moreover phenolic glycosides provide stable solutions both in pre as well as post irradiation conditions. Further the dosimeter as described in the present invention is simple to use, and does not require expensive and sophisticated equipments like ESR (Electron spin resonance) for measurement of dose. 
     Present dosimeter uses food grade material, which can be advantageous for food irradiation applications. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages prevailing in the prior art. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a color indicator dosimeter. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a phenolic glycoside based color indicator dosimeter for quantifying absorbed doses of ionic radiation in a wide range. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a dosimeter with cheap and easy methodology. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the basic aspect of the present invention, there is provided a color indicator dosimeter system to detect and quantify a dosage of ionizing radiation in a wide range wherein said system comprises phenolic glycoside as one of the components. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for using dosimeter system as described hereinabove for detecting and quantifying a dosage of ionizing radiation in a wide range. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a standard curve of Dose Vs O.D. at 700 nm as described in Example 1. 
         FIG. 2  shows a standard curve of Dose vs O.D. at 279.3 nm as described in Example 2. 
         FIG. 3  shows a standard curve of Dose vs O.D. at 750 nm as described in Example 3. 
         FIG. 4  shows a standard curve of Dose vs O.D. at 750 nm as described in Example 4. 
         FIG. 5  shows a standard curve plotted Dose vs O.D. at 750 nm as described in Example 5. 
         FIG. 6  shows a standard curve of Dose vs O.D. at 420 nm plotted as described in Example 6. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the present invention there is provided a phenolic glycoside based color indicator dosimeter to detect and quantify a dosage of ionizing radiation in a wide range used for processing food. 
     Any of phenolic glycoside can be used but we have taken phenyl-β-Dglucoside and para-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucoside to show the manufacturing and functioning of system. 
     According to the present invention phenolic glycoside is dissolved in distilled water. Particularly, glass vials along with buildup to maintain electronic balance are used for irradiation instead of plastic vials, as present dosimeter is sensitive to R radical formed in plastic vials during radiation. After taking phenolic glycoside solution in vials with buildup it can be used for irradiation. When this is irradiated, phenol and glycoside moiety were released. Phenol can be quantified and can be correlated to absorbed dose. For quantification of phenol in case of phenyl-β-D-glucoside various methods are used for demonstration. Methods used are Prussian blue, Folin&#39;s and direct O D measurement at 279.3 nm and in case of para-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucoside direct absorbance was taken in basic medium. 

 
     Amount of Phenol is now correlated to absorbed dose. 
     In present study Prussian blue, Folin&#39;s assay and direct O.D. measurement at 297.3 nm was used for phenol quantification but various other assays can also be used. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 1) 
                 Dose range 
                 20 Gy-25 kGy 
               
               
                 2) 
                 Minimum detectable limit 
                 20 Gy 
               
               
                 3) 
                 Resolution 
                 20 Gy 
               
               
                 4) 
                 Effect of dose rate 
                 No 
               
               
                 5) 
                 Effect of Volume 
                 No 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The present invention is further described by way of illustrating examples. 
     Example 1 
     Making of standard curve of O D Vs absorbed dose and finding out absorbed dose of two samples irradiated for a given time by dosimeter using phenyl-β-D-glucoside and Prussian blue method in dose range of 50-1000 Gy 
     For making standard curve following solutions were made 
     a) Concentration of stock solution of phenyl-β-D-glucoside for irradiation: 39 mM in distilled water 
     b) Concentration of ferric chloride 0.02 Molar m 1N HCL 
     c) Concentration of potassium ferricyanide 0.008 Molar in 1N HCL 
     The solution of phenyl-β-D-glucoside is irradiated for following doses each one in triplicate.
         a) 50 Gy   b) 100 Gy   c) 200 Gy   d) 400 Gy
 
e) 1000 Gy
       

     After irradiation 0.5 ml of sample is taken and total volume is made 3 ml with distilled water (final conc.: 6.5 mM). In this 3 ml-solution 0.2 ml of 0.02M ferric chloride and 0.008M potassium ferricyanide was added and incubation period of ten minutes was given for color development. 
     After ten minutes incubation O. D. was taken at 700 nm and readings were obtained as shown below: 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Readings   Blank: 0.145 
               
               
                 O.D. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Average- 
               
               
                   
                 Dose (Gy) 
                 A 
                 B 
                 C 
                 Average 
                 blank 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 50 
                 0.191 
                 0.189 
                 0.19 
                 0.19 
                 0.045 
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 0.217 
                 0.217 
                 0.217 
                 0.217 
                 0.072 
               
               
                   
                 200 
                 0.27 
                 0.264 
                 0.268 
                 0.267 
                 0.122 
               
               
                   
                 400 
                 0.369 
                 0.366 
                 0.356 
                 0.363 
                 0.218 
               
               
                   
                 1000 
                 0.613 
                 0.694 
                 0.68 
                 0.662 
                 0.517 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     After that standard curve was drawn, Dose Vs O.D. at 700 nm as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     For calculating unknown doses, two samples were irradiated and their O.D. was taken as described above for standard solution. Readings obtained are given below: 
     Readings: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Sample No 
                 Dose given 
                 O.D. 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Sample A 
                  80 Gy 
                 0.06 
               
               
                   
                 Sample B 
                 160 Gy 
                 0.096 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     For the O.D. obtained above corresponding absorbed dose was calculated from standard curve using equation: O.D.=0.0005 (dose)+0.0216 
     Results Obtained are as Following: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Sample No. 
                 Dose given 
                 O.D. 
                 Dose from standard curve 
                 error 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Sample A 
                  80 Gy 
                 0.06 
                  77 Gy 
                 3.75% 
               
               
                 Sample B 
                 160 Gy 
                 0.096 
                 150 Gy 
                 6.25% 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Example 2 
     A standard curve of O.D. Vs absorbed dose is prepared and absorbed dose of sample irradiated for a given time is quantified by dosimeter using phenyl-β-D glucoside and direct O.D. measurement of irradiated solution at 279.3 nm in dose range of 100-1000 Gy 
     For Making Standard Curve Following Solutions were Made: 
     
         
         
           
             d) Concentration of stock solution of phenyl-β-D glucoside for irradiation 39 mM in distilled water. 
           
         
       
    
     The standard solution of phenyl-β-D glucoside is irradiated for following doses each one in triplicate.
         a) 100 Gy   b) 200 Gy   c) 500 Gy   d) 1000 Gy       

     After irradiation solution was diluted to 29 mM concentration and O.D was taken at 279.3 nm against unirradiated sample as blank. Following readings were obtained. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Dose (Gy) 
                 O.D. 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 100 
                 0.066 
               
               
                   
                 500 
                 0.192 
               
               
                   
                 800 
                 0.266 
               
               
                   
                 1000 
                 0.322 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Standard curve of Dose vs O.D. was drawn as shown in  FIG. 2   
     For calculating the unknown doses dosimetry solution was irradiated at 200 Gy and O.D. measured at 279.3 nm. value obtained was 0.105. Unknown dose was calculated based on equation: y=0.0003 x+0.0422 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Value obtained 
                 Actual value 
                 Error 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 209 Gy 
                 200 
                 4.5% 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Example 3 
     Making of standard curve of O.D. Vs absorbed dose and finding out absorbed dose of samples in irradiated for a given time by dosimeter using phenyl-β-D glucoside and Folin&#39;s assay for phenol quantification in dose range 250-1000 Gy 
     For Making Standard Curve Following Solutions were Made 
     
         
         
           
             a) Concentration of stock solution of phenyl-β-D glucoside for irradiation 39 mM in distilled water. 
             b) Na 2 CO 3  in distilled water 6% w/v 
             c) 1:1 diluted Folin&#39;s reagent 
           
         
       
    
     Now, this standard solution of phenyl-β-D glucoside is irradiated for following doses, each one in triplicate.
         a. 250 Gy   b. 400 Gy   c. 600 Gy   d. 800 Gy   e. 1000 Gy       

     After irradiation 100 ul of Folin&#39;s reagent and 500 ul of Na 2 CO 3  solution was added to 1 ml of irradiated solution. Reaction mixture was incubated for 30 minutes and O.D. was taken at 750 nm. 
     Following Values were Obtained: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Dose (Gy) 
                 O.D 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 250 
                 0.446 
               
               
                   
                 400 
                 0.675 
               
               
                   
                 600 
                 0.900 
               
               
                   
                 800 
                 1.084 
               
               
                   
                 1000 
                 1.29 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Standard curve of Dose vs O.D. was obtained as shown in  FIG. 3   
     For calculating unknown doses dosimetry solution was irradiated at 450 Gy and O.D. obtained was 0.72 and doses were calculated based on above equation. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Value obtained 
                 Actual value 
                 Error 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 463 Gy 
                 450 
                 2.8% 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Example 4 
     Making of standard curve of O.D. vs absorbed dose and finding out absorbed dose of samples irradiated for a given time by dosimeter using phenyl-β-D glucoside and Folin&#39;s assay for phenol quantification in dose range of 1-10 kGy 
     Solutions were made as in example 3 and following doses were given in triplicates 
     1 kGy 
     5 kGy 
     10 kGy 
     After irradiation stock solution were diluted six times to 6.5 mM. In reaction mixture 1 ml of this diluted solution along with 100 ul of 1:1 diluted Folin&#39;s reagent and 500 ul of 6% Na 2 CO 3  was added. Reaction mixture was incubated for half and hour and O.D. taken at 750 nm. 
     Following Readings were Obtained: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Dose (kGy) 
                 O.D. 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 1 
                 0.262 
               
               
                   
                 5 
                 0.793 
               
               
                   
                 10 
                 1.557 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Standard curve was obtained as shown in  FIG. 4   
     For calculating unknown doses dosimetry solution was irradiated at 3.5 kGy and O.D. as stated above was taken. Then according to regression equation in graph absorbed dose was calculated. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Value obtained 
                 Actual value 
                 Error 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 3.345 kGy 
                 3.5 
                 4.42% 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Example 5 
     Making of standard curve of O.D. vs absorbed dose and finding out absorbed dose of samples irradiated for a given time by dosimeter using phenyl-β-D glucoside and Folin&#39;s assay for phenol quantification in dose range of 10-25 kGy. 
     For Making Standard Curve Following Solutions were Made: 
     
         
         
           
             a) Concentration of stock solution of phenyl-β-D glucoside for irradiation: 58.5 mM in distilled water. 
             b) Na 2 CO 3  in distilled water: 6% w/v 
             c) 1:1 diluted Folin&#39;s reagent. 
           
         
       
    
     Now, this standard solution of phenyl-β-D glucoside is irradiated for following doses, each one in triplicate:
         a. 10 kGy   b. 15 kGy   c. 25 kGy       

     After irradiation stock solution were diluted twenty times to 2.9 mM. In reaction mixture 1 ml of this diluted solution along with 100 ul of 1:1 diluted Folin&#39;s reagent and 500 ul of 6% Na 2 CO 3  was added. Reaction mixture was incubated for half an hour and O.D taken at 750 nm. 
     Following Readings were Obtained: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Dose (kGy) 
                 O.D 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 10 
                 0.567 
               
               
                   
                 15 
                 0.667 
               
               
                   
                 25 
                 0.978 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Standard curve was plotted as shown in  FIG. 5   
     For calculating unknown doses dosimetry solution was irradiated at 20 kGy and O.D. as stated above was taken. Then according to regression equation in graph absorbed dose was calculated: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Value obtained 
                 Actual value 
                 Error 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 20.89 kGy 
                 20 
                 4.45% 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Example 6 
     Making of standard curve of O.D Vs absorbed dose and finding out absorbed dose of samples irradiated for a given time by dosimeter using para-nitrophenyl-β-D glucoside in dose range of 100-1000 Gy. 
     Preparation of stock solution was carried out in similar manner as described in example 1. Then stock solution (0.5 ml) was irradiated for following doses in duplicate.
         a) 100 Gy   b) 200 Gy   c) 500 Gy   d) 1000 Gy       

     0.1 M Glycine buffer (pH 10) was then added to make volume 3.0 ml. Para-nitrophenol, which is released, gives yellow color in basic solution so O.D was taken at 420 nm. 
     Following are the Observation: 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Readings 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Average- 
               
               
                 Dose (Gy) 
                 A 
                 B 
                 Average 
                 blank 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 100 
                 0.041 
                 0.038 
                 0.0395 
                 0.0095 
               
               
                 200 
                 0.067 
                 0.064 
                 0.0655 
                 0.0355 
               
               
                 400 
                 0.133 
                 0.128 
                 0.1305 
                 0.1005 
               
               
                 1000 
                 0.25 
                 0.223 
                 0.2365 
                 0.2065 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Standard curve of Dose vs O.D. is plotted as shown in  FIG. 6   
     For calculating unknown doses, two samples were irradiated and their O.D was taken as described above for standard solution. Readings obtained are given below: 
     Readings: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Sample No. 
                 Dose delivered 
                 O.D. 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Sample A 
                 1050 
                 0.204 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     For the O.D. obtained above corresponding absorbed dose was calculated from standard curve using equation: O.D.=0.0002 (dose)−0.0097 
     Result Obtained are as Following: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Sample No. 
                 Dose delivered 
                 O.D. 
                 Dose from standard curve 
                 Error 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Sample A 
                 1050 Gy 
                 0.204 
                 1060 Gy 
                 1% 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     As the foregoing results demonstrate the dosimeter of the present invention permits easy and convenient determination of exposure dose in range from low exposure dose to a high exposure dose. 
     While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific examples, it will be apparent to one skilled in art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.