EFFECTS OF RADIO-FREQUENCY IRRADIATION ON THE ENZYMES OF BEEF MUSCLE TISSUE

: The objective of the program is to study the conditions necessary to inactivate the natural proteolytic enzymes of beef muscle tissue by radio-frequency energy. Preliminary experiments using purified proteolytic enzymes isolated from beef liver tissue were conducted to determine the effects of various r-f parameters. From 4 design studies, it could not be conclusively determined as to what the levels of the main factors and the interaction factors necessary for maximum inactivation are. It has been shown, however, that a set condition about 40% inactivation of the proteolytic enzymes can be effected. R- f radiation experiments on ground beef tissue gave inconclusive results. Chief problem area lies in the fact that the extraction and purification process does not yield consistent results.