The interaction of gamma radiation with matter in the process of sterilization

Abstract

The sterilization by gamma radiation is used as an international standard and its use has grown substantially in national processes. In this review, it is treated the interaction of ionizing radiation with matter and its effects, in addition to various applications of gamma irradiation as an effective tool for sterilization and decontamination of polymeric materials or reducing microbial load in food and packaging fields. This is a method that consists of exposing the products to the action of short electromagnetic waves generated from sources of Cobalt 60 and Cesium 137 in a specially prepared environment for this procedure. As electromagnetic waves have great penetrating power, organisms can be reached wherever they are, both in sealed packages as products packaged in the various forms, which ensures the overall effectiveness of the process.