Biogenic amines (BA) are toxic low molecular weight organic bases with aliphatic or heterocyclic structures that can be found in several foods. The consumption of food containing large amounts of BA can result in allergic reactions, rash, vomiting, and hypertension. Besides, BA are also known as possible precursors of carcinogens. In the present study we evaluated the effect of different gamma irradiation doses on methanol and water solutions of the BA phenylethylamine and tyramine. Our best results showed that, at a dose of 5 kGy (SI unit used for measurement of absorbed dose of ionizing radiation), it was possible to reduce the content of these two BA up to 85 and 60%, respectively, suggesting that the use of the irradiation process can be an efficient tool for its degradation. Further docking studies also suggested that the radiolytes produced in the irradiation process have more affinity for the human detoxifying enzymes monoaminoxidases type A and B (MAO-A and MAO-B) being, therefore, less toxic than its precursors.
biogenic amines; gamma irradiation; food decontamination
