The effect of gamma irradiation on chitosan film dyed with malachite green

In this research, chitosan is used as the base for a dye and the effects of γ-irradiation on the dye was researched. The dyed chitosan film of the thickness 70 μm was developed by dissolving chitosan powder in an acetic acid solution. Malachite Green dye was used as the dye and was prepared by using water as solvent. Dyed chitosan gel was the dried and small pieces of 1 x 1 cm2 was cut out and the dyed film was analyzed using the UV-VIS spectrometer and achieved a maximum absorption at the wavelength of λ=615 nm. Using Gammacell, the film was irradiated by gamma ray with various doses ranging from 5-25 KGy. The effect of the irradiation on the dyed film was study for various factors. The effect of the dose, thickness and shelf life was studied and shows significant effect to the optical density. As the dose reaches 25 KGy, the destruction of the dye approaches 20%. (Author)