Structural changes and mechanical properties of grape berries exposed to UV-C irradiation

FAVA, J.; NIETO, A B; ALZAMORA, STELLA MARIS; CASTRO, M A

Minascentro, Belo Horizonte - Brasil

Congreso; XXI Congresso Brasileiro de Ciencia e Tecnologia de Alimentos – XV Seminario Latinoamericano e do Caribe de Ciencia e Tecnologia de Alimentos; 2008

Rheological properties are mainly determined by fruit tissue structure. This research was aimed to study the microstructural and ultrastructural changes in epicarp and mesocarp cells of grape berry fruits exposed to different doses of UV-C light (0 - 88 KJ/m²) and to analyze their effect on mechanical properties. Irradiation at higher UV-C doses produced disorder and collapse of tangential walls and membrane system in epidermal and subepidermal cells, while mesocarp cells appeared intact. These changes did not modify rupture force as determined by penetration test.