A visual indicator based on curcumin with high stability for monitoring the freshness of freshwater shrimp, Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Preparation of photodynamic-controlled release packaging for pork preservation and its visualization

The current study aimed to synthesize a ZIF-8 metal-organic framework loaded with the Rose Bengal (ZIF-8@RB) as the photodynamic sterilization ingredient to address the uncontrolled release of active ingredients in packaging films. The photodynamic controlled release packaging film was then prepared using a PVDF polymer matrix via uniaxial electrospinning. The microstructure, particle size, excitation wavelength, and singlet oxygen yield of ZIF-8@RB were examined. The results showed that the particle size of ZIF-8@RB was approximately 232.80 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.403. The significant reduction in survival rates of E. coli (0.83 %) and S. aureus (0.45 %) following light exposure indicated the antibacterial efficacy. Besides, the photodynamic sterilization condition can be triggered through the color of the homemade pork freshness sensor. Conclusively, the packaging film considerably extended the storage time of pork to 3 days at 4 °C, and the freshness sensor dynamically displayed the preservation process.

Review of Recent Advances in Intelligent and Antibacterial Packaging for Meat Quality and Safety

Intelligent and antimicrobial packaging technologies are transforming meat preservation by enhancing food safety, enabling real-time quality monitoring, and extending shelf life. This review critically examines advancements in intelligent systems, including radio frequency identification (RFID), gas sensors, time-temperature indicators (TTIs), and colorimetric indicators for continuous freshness assessment. A key focus is natural compound-based chromogenic indicators, which establish visual spoilage detection via distinct color transitions. Concurrently, antimicrobial systems integrating inorganic compounds, organic bioactive agents, and natural antimicrobials effectively inhibit microbial growth. Strategic incorporation of these agents into polymeric matrices enhances meat safety, supported by standardized evaluation protocols for regulatory compliance and quality assurance. Future research should prioritize optimizing sensitivity, cost-efficiency, and sustainability, alongside developing biodegradable materials to balance food safety with reduced environmental impact, advancing sustainable food supply chains.

Intelligent pH-responsive ratiometric fluorescent nanofiber films for visual and real-time seafood freshness monitoring

In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based ratiometric fluorescence nanofiber films with salicylamide (SA) as the response signal, rhodamine B (RhB) as the internal reference were prepared using electrospinning technique, and reducing their water solubility by glutaraldehyde (G) crosslinked. The RhB and SA were successfully immobilized in the PVA substrate. Moreover, RhB and SA improved the water resistance, water vapor barrier, and mechanical strength of the nanofiber films, among the PVA nanofiber films containing RhB and 400 mg SA (PVA/RhB/4SA-G) showed the best packaging performance. Meanwhile, it exhibited high sensitivity to ammonia (limit of detection was 0.97 ppm), and could effectively distinguish the freshness states of shrimp stored at 4 and 25 °C by displaying a distinct shift from light pink to bright purple fluorescence. Moreover, the migration studies confirmed the safety of PVA/RhB/4SA-G. Therefore, the fabricated PVA/RhB/4SA-G can be utilized as a promising intelligent packaging for monitoring seafood freshness in real-time.

Advances in 3D and 4D Printing of Gel-Based Foods: Mechanisms, Applications, and Future Directions

This review examines recent advancements in gel-based 3D and 4D food-printing technologies, with a focus on their applications in personalized nutrition and functional foods. It emphasizes the critical role of tunable rheological and mechanical properties in gels such as starch, protein, and Pickering emulsions, which are essential for successful printing. The review further explores 4D food printing, highlighting stimuli-responsive mechanisms, including color changes and deformation induced by external factors like temperature and pH. These innovations enhance both the sensory and functional properties of printed foods, advancing opportunities for personalization. Key findings from recent studies are presented, demonstrating the potential of various gels to address dietary challenges, such as dysphagia, and to enable precise nutritional customization. The review integrates cutting-edge research, identifies emerging trends and challenges, and underscores the pivotal role of gel-based materials in producing high-quality 3D-printed foods. Additionally, it highlights the potential of Pickering emulsions and lipid gels for expanding functionality and structural diversity. Overall, this work provides a comprehensive foundation for advancing future research and practical applications in gel-based 3D and 4D food printing.

Enhancing sensitivity and stability of natural pigments in pH-responsive freshness indicators: A review

Natural pigments are an indicator component in the freshness indicator, which is advantageous due to their safety, renewability, and low cost. However, freshness indicator with natural pigments as pH indicators has the problems of low stability and the color rendering domain could not effectively cover the shelf life of food. This paper describes the types and structures of natural pigments commonly used in freshness indicators and their color change mechanisms under different pH conditions. Also, the preparation methods of natural pigments freshness indicators are reviewed. Based on the current limitations and shortcomings faced by natural pigments freshness indicators, this paper highlights optimization strategies to enhance their sensitivity and stability, including modification, co-pigmentation, natural pigments mixing, encapsulation, and metal-ion complexation. The exploitation of these optimization strategies can help develop natural pigment-based intelligent packaging with superior performance to meet the food industry's needs for quality and safety monitoring.

Application of visual intelligent labels in the assessment of meat freshness

With the increasing demand for meat products, the evaluation and real-time monitoring of its freshness has become one of the focuses of related industry research. Conventional freshness detection methods, including sensory evaluation, microbial experiments, and determination of physicochemical indicators, are time-consuming, low sensitivity, and destructive, so there is an urgent need to develop a convenient, intuitive, and inexpensive detection method. As a representative of smart packaging, visual intelligent labels can realize real-time perception and monitoring of meat freshness by measuring the temperature, pH value or other indicators of meat and converting them into visual signals. This paper first summarizes the common types, basic principles and research progress of visual intelligent labels, then introduces its application in livestock, poultry and seafood freshness monitoring, finally looks forward to the development prospect of visual smart labels.

The latest research progress on polysaccharides-based biosensors for food packaging: A review

In recent years, polysaccharide-based biosensors have emerged as promising technologies for intelligent food packaging, offering innovative solutions to enhance food quality and safety. This review highlights advancements in designing, developing, and applying these biosensors, particularly those utilizing polysaccharides such as chitosan, cellulose and alginate. Engineered with nanomaterials like ZnO, silver, and carbon nano-tubes demonstrated high sensitivity in real-time monitoring of food spoilage indicators, including pH changes, volatile nitrogen compounds and microbial activity. We discuss the electrochemical properties of these biosensors, highlighting how the integration of electrochemical methods significantly improves their detection capabilities within packaging environments, leading to sensor sensitivity enhancement, greater accuracy, and spoilage detection, ultimately extending the shelf life of perishable food products. Additionally, the review addresses the practical challenges of industrial implementation and explores future research directions for optimizing sensor functionality and scalability. The findings underscore the potential of polysaccharide-based intelligent packaging as a sustainable and effective alternative to conventional methods, paving the way for broader commercial adoption.

Enhanced pH-sensitive anthocyanin film based on chitosan quaternary ammonium salt: A promising colorimetric indicator for visual pork freshness monitoring

An intelligent pH response indicator film is an easy-to-use device for the real-time monitoring of meat freshness during transport and storage. Therefore, a novel pH-sensitive anthocyanin indicator film composed of polyvinyl alcohol-blueberry anthocyanin (BA)-2-hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC) called PAH-2.0 with 1.2 mg/mL HACC to monitor meat freshness using HACC as the colorimetric enhancer has been developed. BA and HACC were mixed and immobilized in the polyvinyl alcohol matrix by hydrogen bonds, as confirmed via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The inclusion of HACC improved the color stability and antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the PAH-2.0 film. When applied to pork for freshness monitoring at 4 °C, three freshness stages, including fresh, sub-fresh, and spoiled, could be clearly distinguished based on the color variations of the PAH-2.0 film. The distinct hierarchical color change from purple to blue-violet and finally to grayish-blue was highly correlated with the indicators of pork freshness: pH values, total volatile basic nitrogen, and total viable count. This study provides a simple and promising approach for fabricating meat freshness indicator films with high color recognition accuracy, thereby offering new possibilities for visual meat freshness monitoring.

Double-walled encapsulation of curcumin in starch and cellulose, its characterization and application as a sensing material to monitor food quality

The curcumin was encapsulated within a double-layered complex shell of nano-sized cellulose as the primary layer and the native starch (MDC) or the nano-sized starch (NDC) as the secondary layer to improve its stability, decreasing its release rate, while masking bitterness. The double-walled curcumin capsules were studied for encapsulation efficiency, colour behaviour at different pH and characterization using FTIR, DSC & FESEM. The encapsulation efficiency for NDC and MDC was 97.11 % & 90.46 %. The FTIR showed a shift of peaks to higher wavelength particularly at 1043 cm -1 and most of the curcumin peaks disappeared or had low intensity as enclosed within the layers of the capsules. Further, fish fillets were coated in starch paste containing 20 % double-walled curcumin capsules and the visible colour change was observed during a 7-day storage period at refrigerated conditions that could confirm the spoilage of fish to consumers without opening the package.

Preparation and characterization of intelligent and active bi-layer film based on carrageenan/pectin for monitoring freshness of salmon

This work aimed to develop and characterize a novel bi-layer film (BIF) for monitoring the freshness of salmon. The indicator layer consists of carrageenan (Car), pectin (PEC) and purple sweet potato anthocyanin (PSPA), and the antibacterial layer consists of Car and magnolol (Mag). The results showed that the Car/Mag2 had the optimal water resistance: the static water contact angle of 80.36 ± 0.92 °, moisture content of 31.38 ± 0.86 %, swelling degree of 92.96 ± 0.46 %, and water solubility of 40.08 ± 1.17 %, and showed excellent antibacterial properties against E. coli and S. aureus with antibacterial rate of 86.13 % ± 0.10 % and 97.53 % ± 0.02 %, respectively. Then BIFs with different PSPA concentration were tested. The morphology, mechanical and water vapor properties (WVP) of the BIFs were studied, and its application in salmon preservation was evaluated. The mechanical properties and WVP test results showed that the BIF0.2 had the optimal Tensile strength (TS) and WVP values. The BIFs showed distinguishable color changes between the pH ranges of 3-10. The shelf life of salmon packaged by BIF0.2 was prolonged by 2 days. Moreover, the BIF0.2 was able to effectively monitor salmon freshness. In conclusion, the BIF has great potential for monitoring salmon meat freshness.

Real-time monitoring of pork freshness using polyvinyl alcohol/modified agar multilayer gas-sensitive labels

Accurate consumer perception of food packages should provide real-time feedback on any changes inside food packaging. Hence, a new multilayer gas-sensitive label (POA-12) was prepared using a layer-by-layer pouring method for simple, visual, and real-time detection of pork's freshness, while the front side was developed by immobilizing red carbon dots and fluorescein isothiocyanate in POA as indicator for volatile nitrogen, and the back side was created using bromothymol blue in POA as pH indicator. The swelling index of the multilayer gas-sensitive labels reduced from 159.19% to 148.36%, and the tensile strength increased from 25.52 MPa to 42.61 MPa. In addition, the POA-12 multilayer label showed a red-to-yellow fluorescence change as TVB-N increased from 6.84 to 31.4 and a yellow-brown-to-blue-green color change as pH increased from 5.74 to 7.24 when detecting pork samples. Thus, it provides dual-indicator monitoring that improves the accuracy and reliability of assessing the freshness of high-protein products.

Recent advancements in chitosan-based intelligent food freshness indicators: Categorization, advantages, and applications

With an increasing emphasis on food safety and public health, there is an ongoing effort to develop reliable, non-invasive methods to assess the freshness of diverse food products. Chitosan-based food freshness indicators, leveraging properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and high stability, offer an innovative approach for real-time monitoring of food quality during storage and transportation. This review introduces intelligent food freshness indicators, specifically those utilizing pH-sensitive dyes like anthocyanins, curcumin, alizarin, shikonin, and betacyanin. It highlights the benefits of chitosan-based intelligent food freshness indicators, emphasizing improvements in barrier and mechanical properties, antibacterial activity, and composite film solubility. The application of these indicators in the food industry is then explored, alongside a concise overview of chitosan's limitations. The paper concludes by discussing the challenges and potential areas for future research in the development of intelligent food freshness indicators using chitosan. Thus, chitosan-based smart food preservation indicators represent an innovative approach to providing real-time data for monitoring food quality, offering valuable insights to both customers and retailers, and playing a pivotal role in advancing the food industry.

Sponge-like porous polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan-based hydrogel with integrated cushioning, pH-indicating and antibacterial functions

Developing a packaging material with integrated cushioning, intelligent and active functions is highly desired but remains challenging in the food industry. Here we show that a sponge-like porous hydrogel with pH-indicating and antibacterial additives can meet this requirement. We use polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan as the primary polymers to construct a hydrogel with hierarchical structures through a freeze-casting method in combination with salting-out treatment. The synergy of aggregated polymer chains and the sponge-like porous structure makes the hydrogel resilient and efficient in energy absorption. It also enables rapid movement of molecules/particles and fast reaction due to the large specific surface area of the pore structures and the large amount of free water in it, leading to a sensitive pH-indicating function. The hydrogel shows an obvious color variation within a wide pH range in 3 min. The silver nanoparticles are fixed in the dense polymer networks, enabling a lasting release of silver ions. The porous structure makes the silver ion reach the protected item in a short time, achieving an antibacterial effect against S. aureus and E. coli with little cytotoxicity. This work paves the way for fabricating multifunctional hydrogels for diverse advanced packaging systems.

Chitosan-based hydrogels: From preparation to applications, a review

Chitosan, derived from the deacetylation of chitin, is an abundant natural biopolymer on earth. Chitosan and its derivatives have become promising biological materials because of their unique molecular structure and excellent biological activities. The reactive functional groups of chitosan such as the amino and hydroxyl groups play a crucial role in facilitating the synthesis of three-dimensional hydrogel. Chitosan-based hydrogels have been widely used in medical, pharmaceutical, and environmental fields for years. Nowadays, chitosan-based hydrogels have been found in a wide range of applications in the food industry such as food sensors, dye adsorbents and nutrient carriers. In this review, recently developed methods for the preparation of chitosan-based hydrogels were given, and the biological activities of chitosan-based hydrogels were systematically introduced. Additionally, the recent progress in food sensors, packaging, dye adsorbents, and nutrient carriers was discussed. Finally, the challenges and prospects for the future development of chitosan-based hydrogels were discussed.

A Colorimetric Nanofiber Film Based on Ethyl Cellulose/Gelatin/Purple Sweet Potato Anthocyanins for Monitoring Pork Freshness

In this study, colorimetric indicator nanofiber films based on ethyl cellulose (EC)/gelatin (G) incorporating purple sweet potato anthocyanins (PSPAs) were designed via electrospinning technology for monitoring and maintaining the freshness of pork. The film presented good structural integrity and stability in a humid environment with water vapor permeability (WVP) of 6.07 ± 0.14 × 10-11 g·m-1s-1Pa-1 and water contact angle (WCA) of 81.62 ± 1.43°. When PSPAs were added into the nanofiber films, the antioxidant capacity was significantly improved (p < 0.05) with a DPPH radical scavenging rate of 68.61 ± 1.80%. The nanofiber films showed distinguishable color changes as pH changes and was highly sensitive to volatile ammonia than that of casting films. In the application test, the film color changed from light pink (fresh stage) to light brown (secondary freshness stage) and then to brownish green (spoilage stage), indicating that the nanofiber films can be used to detect the real-time freshness of pork during storage. Meanwhile, it could prolong the shelf life of pork by inhibiting the oxidation degree. Hence, these results suggested that the EC/G/PSPA film has promising future for monitoring freshness and extending shelf life of pork.

Smart and UV-Resistant Edible Coating and Films Based on Alginate, Whey Protein, and Curcumin

In this work, smart edible coating and films with excellent UV barrier properties were prepared from alginate, whey protein isolate, and curcumin. The primary focus of this investigation centered on assessing the impact of whey protein and curcumin on the physical and functional properties of the alginate films. Whey protein reduced the film transparency while simultaneously enhancing the hydrophobicity and antioxidant properties of the alginate film. Curcumin imparted a yellow hue to the film, consequently decreasing the transparency of the film. It also substantially improved hydrophobicity, antioxidant activity, and UV-blocking efficiency within the films. Remarkably, curcumin demonstrated a significant reduction in the water vapor transmission rate of the film. For the preservation of apples, a higher concentration of curcumin was required, which effectively suppressed the respiration rate and moisture loss post-harvest, resulting in an extended shelf-life for the apples. As a result, the coated apples exhibited significantly reduced enzymatic browning and weight loss in comparison to their uncoated counterparts. Furthermore, these curcumin-containing films underwent a reversible color change from orange to red when exposed to ammonia vapor. This attribute highlights the potential of the developed coating and film as a smart, active food packaging solution, particularly for light-sensitive food products.

Functional Polymeric Membranes with Antioxidant Properties for the Colorimetric Detection of Amines

Herein, the ability of highly porous colorimetric indicators to sense volatile and biogenic amine vapors in real time is presented. Curcumin-loaded polycaprolactone porous fiber mats are exposed to various concentrations of off-flavor compounds such as the volatile amine trimethylamine, and the biogenic amines cadaverine, putrescine, spermidine, and histamine, in order to investigate their colorimetric response. CIELAB color space analysis demonstrates that the porous fiber mats can detect the amine vapors, showing a distinct color change in the presence of down to 2.1 ppm of trimethylamine and ca. 11.0 ppm of biogenic amines, surpassing the limit of visual perception in just a few seconds. Moreover, the color changes are reversible either spontaneously, in the case of the volatile amines, or in an assisted way, through interactions with an acidic environment, in the case of the biogenic amines, enabling the use of the same indicator several times. Finally, yet importantly, the strong antioxidant activity of the curcumin-loaded fibers is successfully demonstrated through DPPH● and ABTS● radical scavenging assays. Through such a detailed study, we prove that the developed porous mats can be successfully established as a reusable smart system in applications where the rapid detection of alkaline vapors and/or the antioxidant activity are essential, such as food packaging, biomedicine, and environmental protection.

A comprehensive review of the spoilage of shrimp and advances in various indicators/sensors for shrimp spoilage monitoring

Shrimp is a popular internationally traded shellfish due to its unique taste, texture, and nutritional value. Shrimp is highly perishable because it has enough free amino acids, high moisture levels, non-nitrogenous compounds used for microbial growth, and melanosis. Shrimp spoilage after death is caused by various reasons, like autolysis (endogenous proteinases actions during shrimp storage), growth of spoilage microorganisms, ATP degradation, melanin formation, and lipid peroxidation. A microbial byproduct, total volatile basic nitrogen, is one of the major reasons for the generation of foul odors from shrimp spoilage. Shrimp freshness monitoring is crucial for market sellers and exporters. Traditional methods for estimating shrimp freshness are expensive and inaccessible to the general public. Sensors are rapid, sensitive, selective, and portable food toxins' detection tools, devoid of expensive instruments, skilled people, sample pretreatment, and a long detection time. This review addresses shrimp spoilage causes. The mechanisms of different stages of shrimp spoilage after death, like rigor mortis, dissolution of rigor mortis, autolysis, and microbial spoilage mechanisms, are discussed. This review highlights the last five years' advances in shrimp freshness detection sensors and indicators like colorimetric pH indicators, fluorescence sensors, electronic noses, and biosensors, their working principles, and their sensitivities. Commercially available indicators and sensors for shrimp spoilage monitoring are also discussed. A review highlighting the applications of the different sensors and indicators for monitoring shrimp freshness is unavailable to date. Challenges and future perspectives in this field are explained at the end.

The Development of Highly pH-Sensitive Bacterial Cellulose Nanofibers/Gelatin-Based Intelligent Films Loaded with Anthocyanin/Curcumin for the Fresh-Keeping and Freshness Detection of Fresh Pork

The aim of this study was to develop highly pH-sensitive bacterial cellulose nanofibers/gelatin-based intelligent films, where the intelligent films were loaded with different ratios (10:0, 0:10 2:8, 5:5 and 8:2, w/w) of curcumin:anthocyanin (Cur/ATH), and the characterization of intelligent films was investigated. The results showed that the microstructures of intelligent films were much rougher as the proportion of curcumin increased. FTIR results showed that anthocyanin and curcumin were fixed in gelatin matrix by hydrogen bonds. Moreover, XRD results showed that curcumin had a significant effect on the crystal structure of the films. Interestingly, films loaded with a Cur/ATH ratio of 5:5 had the best mechanical and antioxidant properties and a high pH-sensitivity property. Consequently, the bacterial cellulose nanofibers/gelatin-based intelligent films loaded with a Cur/ATH ratio of 5:5 were used for the packaging of fresh pork, displaying good fresh-keeping and freshness detection effects. Therefore, this study suggested that bacterial cellulose nanofibers/gelatin-based intelligent films have great potential in the fresh-keeping and freshness detection of meat.

Recent advances in pH-sensitive indicator films based on natural colorants for smart monitoring of food freshness: a review

As a new type of packaging method, natural pigment-based pH-sensitive indicator film packaging can be used to intelligently monitor food freshness, provide consumers with intuitive food freshness information, and own the advantages of small size, low cost and intuitive accuracy. Based on the introduction of the principle of natural pigment in pH-sensitive indicator film intelligent packaging, this paper reviews the types of natural pigment indicators (such as anthocyanins, curcumin) and film-forming matrix materials, and systematically discusses the research progress of their application in freshness monitoring in various foods, and points out the limitations of this intelligent packaging in practical applications. In order to provide natural pigment in the application and promotion of pH-sensitive indicator film packaging for monitoring food freshness, further research and development works are required to overcome the current limitations. The needs for further research and developments are outlined.

Physicochemical and Functional Properties and Storage Stability of Chitosan-Starch Films Containing Micellar Nano/Microstructures with Turmeric and Hibiscus Extracts

The dynamic development of the food industry and the growing interest of consumers in innovative solutions that increase the comfort and quality of life push the industry towards seeking pioneering solutions in the field of food packaging. Intelligent and active packaging, which affects the quality and durability of food products and allows one to determine their freshness, is still a modern concept. The aim of our study was to obtain two types of films based on chitosan and starch with micellar nanostructures containing extracts from turmeric rhizomes and hibiscus flowers. The presence of spherical nanostructures was confirmed using a scanning electron microscope. The structural and optical properties of the obtained composites were characterised by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), UltraViolet-Visible (UV-VIS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the presence of spherical micellar structures with a size of about 800 nm in the obtained biocomposites. The presence of nano-/microstructures containing extracts affected the mechanical properties of the composites: it weakened the strength of the films and improved their elongation at break (EAB). Films with nano-/microparticles were characterised by a higher water content compared to the control sample and lower solubility, and they showed stronger hydrophilic properties. Preliminary storage tests showed that the obtained biocomposites are sensitive to changes occurring during the storage of products such as cheese or fish. In addition, it was found that the film with the addition of turmeric extract inhibited the growth of microorganisms during storage. The results suggest that the obtained bionanocomposites can be used as active and/or intelligent materials.

Consumer-oriented smart dynamic detection of fresh food quality: recent advances and future prospects

Since fresh foods include a significant amount of water, fat, and protein, it is more likely to become infected by microorganisms causing a major loss of quality. Traditional detection techniques are less able to meet customer expectations owing to the limitations of high cost, slow response time, and inability to permit dynamic monitoring. Intelligent non-destructive detection technologies have emerged in recent years, which offer the advantages of small size and fast response at low cost. However, dynamic monitoring of fresh food quality based on intelligent detection technologies on the consumer side has not been rigorously evaluated yet. This paper discussed the application of intelligent detection technologies based on the consumer side in the dynamic monitoring of fresh food freshness, microorganisms, food additives, and pesticide residues. Furthermore, the application of intelligent detection technologies combined with smartphones for quality monitoring and detection of fresh foods is evaluated. Moreover, the challenges and development trends of intelligent fresh food quality detection technologies are also discussed. Intelligent detection technologies based on the consumer side are designed to detect in real-time the quality of fresh food through visual color changes in combination with smartphones. This paper provides ideas and recommendations for the application of intelligent detection technologies based on the consumer side in food quality detection/monitoring and future research trends.

Fabrication and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate/zein/ chitosan bilayer film for dynamic visualization of pork quality

The development of real-time and convenient meat freshness indication technology is crucial to ensure food safety. A novel antibacterial visualized intelligent film was designed based on polyvinyl alcohol (PA), sodium alginate (SA), zein (ZN), chitosan (CS), alizarin (AL) and vanillin (VA) using layer-by-layer assembly (LBL) method for real-time and in situ monitoring of pork freshness. The fabricated film had various advantageous properties, including an excellent hydrophobicity with a water contact angle (WCA) of 91.59°, improved color stability, excellent water barrier properties and increased mechanical performance (TS = 42.86 MPa). The fabricated film also demonstrated effective antibacterial properties with a bacteriostatic circle diameter of 13.6 mm for Escherichia coli. Moreover, the film can perceive and visualize the antibacterial effect through color changes, enabling dynamic visual monitoring of the antibacterial effect. A good correlation (R² = 0.9188) between the color changes (ΔE) and total viable count (TVC) of pork was documented. Conclusively, fabricated multifunctional film improves the accuracy and versatility of freshness indication and had great potential for food preservation and freshness monitoring. The outcomes of this research provides a new perspective for the design and development of multifunctional intelligent films.

Application of smart packaging for seafood: A comprehensive review

Nowadays, due to the changes in lifestyle and great interest of consumers in a healthy life, people have started increasing their seafood consumption. But due to their short shelf life, experts are looking for a new packaging called smart packaging (SMP) for seafood. There are different indicators/sensors in SMP; one of the effective indices is time-temperature, which can show consumers the best time of using seafood based on their shelf life and experienced temperature. Another one is radio-frequency identification (RFID) that is a transmission device that represents a separate form of the electronic information-based SMP systems. RFID does not belong to any of the categories of markers or sensors; it is an auto recognition system that applies cordless sensors to indicate segments and collect real-time information without manual interposition. This review covers the use of SMP in all marine foods, including fish, due to its high consumption and high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3), which are the considerable factors of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for human.

A visual bi-layer sensor based on Agar/TiO2/butterfly bean flower anthocyanin/κ-carrageenan with photostability for monitoring Penaeus chinensis freshness

Visual indicator bi-layer films were manufactured incorporating κ-carrageenan, butterfly pea flower anthocyanin, varying Nano‑titanium dioxide (TiO₂) content and agar for Penaeus chinensis (Chinese white shrimp) freshness detection. The κ-carrageenan-anthocyanin (CA) layer served as indicator, while the TiO₂-agar (TA) layer functioned as the protective layer to improve the photostability of film. The bi-layer structure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The TA2-CA film had the best tensile strength with a value of 17.8 MPa and the lowest water vapor permeability (WVP) value of bi-layer films was 2.98 × 10^-7 g.m^-1.h^-1.pa^-1. The bi-layer film protected anthocyanin against exudation when immersed in aqueous solution of varying pH. The TiO₂ particles filled the pores of the protective layer, increasing the opacity from 1.61 up to 4.49 significantly improving the photostability with a consequent slight color change under illumination of UV/visible light. Under UV irradiation, the TA2-CA film had no significant color change with a ΔE value of 4.23. Finally, the TA2-CA films showed an obvious color change from blue to yellow green in the early stages of Penaeus chinensis putrefaction (≤48 h) then the color change and Penaeus chinensis freshness were well correlated (R² = 0.8739).

High-Stability Bi-Layer Films Incorporated with Liposomes @Anthocyanin/Carrageenan/Agar for Shrimp Freshness Monitoring

High-stability bi-layer films were prepared by incorporating anthocyanin-loaded liposomes into carrageenan and agar (A-CBAL) for non-destructive shrimp freshness monitoring. The encapsulation efficiency of the anthocyanin-loaded liposomes increased from 36.06% to 46.99% with an increasing ratio of lecithin. The water vapor transmission (WVP) of the A-CBAL films, with a value of 2.32 × 10^-7 g · m^-1 · h^-1 · pa^-1, was lower than that of the film with free anthocyanins (A-CBA). The exudation rate of the A-CBA film reached 100% at pH 7 and pH 9 after 50 min, while the A-CBAL films slowed down to a value lower than 45%. The encapsulation of anthocyanins slightly decreased the ammonia sensitivity. Finally, the bi-layer films with liposomes successfully monitored shrimp freshness with visible color changes to the naked eye. These results indicated that films with anthocyanin-loaded liposomes have potential applications in high-humidity environments.

Gelatin-Based Film as a Color Indicator in Food-Spoilage Observation: A Review

The color indicator can monitor the quality and safety of food products due to its sensitive nature toward various pH levels. A color indicator helps consumers monitor the freshness of food products since it is difficult for them to depend solely on their appearance. Thus, this review could provide alternative suggestions to solve the food-spoilage determination, especially for perishable food. Usually, food spoilage happens due to protein and lipid oxidation, enzymatic reaction, and microbial activity that will cause an alteration of the pH level. Due to their broad-spectrum properties, natural sources such as anthocyanin, curcumin, and betacyanin are commonly used in developing color indicators. They can also improve the gelatin-based film's morphology and significant drawbacks. Incorporating natural colorants into the gelatin-based film can improve the film's strength, gas-barrier properties, and water-vapor permeability and provide antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Hence, the color indicator can be utilized as an effective tool to monitor and control the shelf life of packaged foods. Nevertheless, future studies should consider the determination of food-spoilage observation using natural colorants from betacyanin, chlorophyll, and carotenoids, as well as the determination of gas levels in food spoilage, especially carbon dioxide gas.

Development of gelatin/PVA based colorimetric films with a wide pH sensing range winery solid by-product (Vinasse) for monitor shrimp freshness

Anthocyanins were extracted from a winery solid by-product (Vinasse) and added to fish gelatin (FG) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrices to create freshness monitoring labels. Three different colorimetric indicator smart films [PWE = polyvinyl alcohol with wine extract (WE), FWE = fish gelatin with WE, and PFWE = polyvinyl alcohol and FG blended film with WE] were generated and examined for their suitability to monitor the freshness of shrimp. The mechanical and optical properties, ammonia sensitivity, and colorimetric analysis of smart films were determined. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to evaluate the interaction of anthocyanins with FG and PVA and changes in the film's chemical composition with storage. The film surfaces were characterized with atomic force microscopy (AFM). The incorporation of WE enhanced the films' flexibility by providing plasticizer and surfactant properties. The PWE film showed the best color stability. The FWE film showed the least amount of total color change with exposure to ammonia gas and was deemed suitable for refrigerated food packaging. The color of all indicator films showed significant changes suggesting that PWE, FWE, and PFWE films can be utilized in the intelligent packaging application for protein-rich foods to detect spoilage.

Smart films fabricated from natural pigments for measurement of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content of meat for freshness evaluation: A systematic review

Major databases were searched from January 2012 to August 2021 and 54 eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis to estimate the overall mean of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) in meat. The mean of TVB-N was 24.96 mg/100 g (95 % CI:23.10-26.82). The pooled estimate of naphthoquinone, curcumin, anthocyanins, alizarin and betalains were 25.98 mg/100 g (95 %CI:19.63-32.33), 30.03 mg/100 g (95 %CI: 24.15-35.91), 24.92 mg/100 g (95 %CI: 22.55-27.30), 23.37 mg/100 g (95 %CI:19.42-27.33) and 19.50 mg/100 g (95 %CI:17.87-21.12), respectively. Meanwhile, subgroups based on meat types showed that smart film was most used in aquatic products at 27.19 mg/100 g (95 %CI:24.97-29.42), followed by red meat at 19.69 mg/100 g (95 %CI:17.44-21.94). Furthermore, 4 °C was the most storage temperature used for testing the performance of smart films at 25.48 mg/100 g (95 %CI:23.05-27.90), followed by storage at 25 °C of 25.65 mg/100 g (95 %CI:22.17-29.13). Substantial heterogeneity was found across the eligible studies (I² = 99 %, p = 0.00). The results of the trim-and-fill method demonstrated publication bias was well controlled.

Development of nanofiber indicator with high sensitivity for pork preservation and freshness monitoring

A visual Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) fibrous film incorporated with Roselle anthocyanin (RS) and Cinnamon essential oil (CEO) (PRC film) was designed via electrospinning technology for pork preservation and freshness monitoring. The PRC film presented well structural integrity and stability in buffer solutions without leaking out RS. And PCR film had well hydrophobic and high permeability with water contact angle (WCA) of 109.52° and water vapor permeability (WVP) of 2.63 × 10-7 g m-1h-1Pa-1. Importantly, PRC film exhibited good antibacterial activity with the inhibition diameter at 29.0 mm and 27.1 mm which against Escherichia coli and staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Finally, the PRC film was employed as a colorimetric sensor for monitoring pork freshness. It presented visible color changes from pink to blue and effectively prolonged the pork shelf-life by 2 days at 4 °C. These results indicate a great potential in intelligent and active packaging.

Recent Advances in pH-Responsive Freshness Indicators Using Natural Food Colorants to Monitor Food Freshness

Recently, due to the enhancement in consumer awareness of food safety, considerable attention has been paid to intelligent packaging that displays the quality status of food through color changes. Natural food colorants show useful functionalities (antibacterial and antioxidant activities) and obvious color changes due to their structural changes in different acid and alkali environments, which could be applied to detect these acid and alkali environments, especially in the preparation of intelligent packaging. This review introduces the latest research on the progress of pH-responsive freshness indicators based on natural food colorants and biodegradable polymers for monitoring packaged food quality. Additionally, the current methods of detecting food freshness, the preparation methods for pH-responsive freshness indicators, and their applications for detecting the freshness of perishable food are highlighted. Subsequently, this review addresses the challenges and prospects of pH-responsive freshness indicators in food packaging, to assist in promoting their commercial application.

A high-stable and sensitive colorimetric nanofiber sensor based on PCL incorporating anthocyanins for shrimp freshness

A novel bilayer colorimetric film incorporating polycaprolactone (PCL) with clitoria ternatea Linn anthocyanin (CA) via electrospinning was designed. The PCL nanofibers layer acted as a protective layer against harsh environments as the strong hydrophobic with the WCA (water contact angle) values of 101.79°. The PCL-CA layer worked as an indicator for its significant color changes for pH. The sensitivity test verified the ammonia cycler reversibility of the nanofibers is promising for re-use packaging. And the PCL/PCL-CA film was characterized as suitable WVP (water vapour permeability), and the lower velocity of water penetrating. Moreover, higher elongation at break (240.431%), and color stability were achieved. Besides, the film exhibited the color change from pale-blue to yellow-green response as an indication of shrimp spoilage (21 h). These results suggested the potential application of the PCL/PCL-CA film for a reusable freshness sensor tool in food packaging.

Smart Silk Origami as Eco-sensors for Environmental Pollution

Origami folding is an easy, cost-effective, and scalable fabrication method for changing a flat material into a complex 3D functional shape. Here, we created semicrystalline silk films doped with iron oxide particles by mold casting and annealing. The flat silk films could be loaded with natural dyes and folded into 3D geometries using origami principles following plasticization. They performed locomotion under a magnetic field, were reusable, and displayed colorimetric stability. The critical parameters for the design of the semi-autonomous silk film, including ease of folding, shape preservation, and locomotion in the presence of a magnetic field, were characterized, and pH detection was achieved by eye and by digital image colorimetry with a response time below 1 min. We demonstrate a practical application—a battery-free origami silk boat—as a colorimetric sensor for waterborne pollutants, which was reusable at least five times. This work introduces silk eco-sensors and merges responsive actuation and origami techniques.

A review on colorimetric indicators for monitoring product freshness in intelligent food packaging: Indicator dyes, preparation methods, and applications

Intelligent food packaging system exhibits enhanced communication function by providing dynamic product information to various stakeholders (e.g., consumers, retailers, distributors) in the supply chain. One example of intelligent packaging involves the use of colorimetric indicators, which when subjected to external stimuli (e.g., moisture, gas/vapor, electromagnetic radiation, temperature), display discernable color changes that can be correlated with real-time changes in product quality. This type of interactive packaging system allows continuous monitoring of product freshness during transportation, distribution, storage, and marketing phases. This review summarizes the colorimetric indicator technologies for intelligent packaging systems, emphasizing on the types of indicator dyes, preparation methods, applications in different food products, and future considerations. Both food and nonfood indicator materials integrated into various carriers (e.g., paper-based substrates, polymer films, electrospun fibers, and nanoparticles) with material properties optimized for specific applications are discussed, targeting perishable products, such as fresh meat and fishery products. Colorimetric indicators can supplement the traditional "Best Before" date label by providing real-time product quality information to the consumers and retailers, thereby not only ensuring product safety, but also promising in reducing food waste. Successful scale-up of these intelligent packaging technologies to the industrial level must consider issues related to regulatory approval, consumer acceptance, cost-effectiveness, and product compatibility.

Construction of biopolymer-based nanoencapsulation of functional food ingredients using the pH-driven method: a review

Biopolymer-based nanoencapsulation presents great performance in the delivery of functional food ingredients. In recent years, the pH-driven method has received considerable attention due to its unique characteristics of low energy and organic solvent-free during the construction of biopolymer-based nanoencapsulation. This review summarized the fundamental knowledge of pH-driven biopolymer-based nanoencapsulation. The principle of the pH-driven method is the protonation reaction of functional food ingredients that change with pH. The stability of functional food ingredients in an alkaline environment is a prerequisite for the adoption of this method. pH regulator is also an important influencing factor. Different coating materials used to the pH-driven nanoencapsulation were discussed, including single and composite materials, mainly focusing on proteins. Besides, the application evaluations of pH-driven nanoencapsulation in food were analyzed. The future development trends will be the influence of pH regulators on the carrier, the design of new non-protein-based carriers, the quantification of driving forces, the absorption mechanism of encapsulated nutrients, and the molecular interaction between the wall material and the intestinal mucosa. In conclusion, pH-driven biopolymer-based nanoencapsulation of functional food ingredients will have broad prospects for development.

A visual bi-layer indicator based on roselle anthocyanins with high hydrophobic property for monitoring griskin freshness

This study designed a new type indicator with hydrophobic Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) film as a moisture prevent-layer. And the sensor layer was provided based on polyvinyl alcohol/Sodium alginate (PS) and Roselle anthocyanins (RAs). Physical properties, microstructure, and color stability of the bi-layer indicator have been investigated. The Water contact angle (WCA) of PS/RAs/ PVDF film (PSRF) was 108.85°, which can be considered as an excellent hydrophobic surface. The lowest Water Vapor Permeability (WVP) value of PSRF exhibited a good barrier property for moisture. Therefore, PSRF film was used to monitor the griskin freshness. The Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) level was increased to 18.02 mg/100 g at 72 h, and the color of the indicator presented visible color changes. The acquired results revealed a good correlation between TVB-N, pH and color change of the indicator. The research indicated that PSRF indicator has increasing potential application on food intelligent packaging.

Bio-Based Sensors for Smart Food Packaging-Current Applications and Future Trends

Intelligent food packaging is emerging as a novel technology, capable of monitoring the quality and safety of food during its shelf-life time. This technology makes use of indicators and sensors that are applied in the packaging and that detect changes in physiological variations of the foodstuffs (due to microbial and chemical degradation). These indicators usually provide information, e.g., on the degree of freshness of the product packed, through a color change, which is easily identified, either by the food distributor and the consumer. However, most of the indicators that are currently used are non-renewable and non-biodegradable synthetic materials. Because there is an imperative need to improve food packaging sustainability, choice of sensors should also reflect this requirement. Therefore, this work aims to revise the latest information on bio-based sensors, based on compounds obtained from natural extracts, that can, in association with biopolymers, act as intelligent or smart food packaging. Its application into several perishable foods is summarized. It is clear that bioactive extracts, e.g., anthocyanins, obtained from a variety of sources, including by-products of the food industry, present a substantial potential to act as bio-sensors. Yet, there are still some limitations that need to be surpassed before this technology reaches a mature commercial stage.