Evaluations of the possible mutagenic and genotoxic effects of 2-ACBs: by-products generated from irradiated foods

This study investigates the potential mutagenic and genotoxic effects of 2-Alkylcyclobutanones (2-ACBs), by-products formed in irradiated foods. 2-ACBs are compounds derived from the irradiation of fat-containing foods, with recognized genotoxic potential. The research focused on the compounds 2-dodecylcyclobutanone (2-dDCB) and 2-tetradecylcyclobutanone (2-tDCB), evaluating their mutagenicity through the micronucleus assay in hepatic cell lines (HepG2, BRL3A, and HTC) and genotoxicity through the Ames test using five bacterial strains (TA-98, TA-100, TA-1535, TA-1537, and WP2uvrA). Results from the Ames test indicated that 2-dDCB and 2-tDCB did not significantly increase mutagenic reversion rates, while the micronucleus assays showed no genotoxic damage in the tested cell lines. It is concluded that, at the evaluated concentrations, the compounds 2-dDCB and 2-tDCB do not exhibit mutagenic or genotoxic potential, supporting the safety of irradiated foods. However, further research is recommended to assess long-term effects and different irradiation conditions.