Electron beam irradiation-assisted preparation of oxidized konjac glucomannan and its structural and physicochemical properties

In this study, we investigated the effect of electron beam (EB) irradiation-assisted hydrogen peroxide preparation of oxidized KGM (OKGM) on its physicochemical properties. The results showed that treating KGM with EB irradiation and hydrogen peroxide affects the moisture content of KGM, reducing its water absorption, solubility, molecular weight, and viscosity and improving its transparency, thermal stability, and water-binding capacity. The chemical structure of OKGM has changed. There was no significant change in the crystal structure of KGM before and after modification. EB irradiation helps further enhance the effect of oxidative treatment on the rheological properties of KGM. In addition, the browning condition, textural properties, and water retention of the OKGM gels were significantly improved, and the ones pretreated by EB irradiation showed further improvement. In conclusion, EB irradiation can assist hydrogen peroxide in improving the physicochemical properties of KGM, which can further enhance the quality of OKGM.