A study on the response of natural dye to Gamma radiation as a dosimeter

Abstract

Red Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) contains a pigment called anthocyanine which changes color over different
pH ranges. We examined spectrophotometrically the effects of gamma irradiation on aqueous solutions of
red cabbage dye to facilitate industrial applications. Samples were exposed to Cs-137 γ source from 0-100
kGy. Irradiation greater than 60 kGy clearly affected the major colorant in extracts of red cabbage leaves.
Dosimetric characterization on basis of dye concentration and pH values was also described which showed
that these dye solutions can satisfactorily be used as dye dosimeters in gamma dose range of 60-100 kGy.