Development of smart packaging halochromic films embedded with anthocyanin pigments; recent advances

Abstract

Nowadays, innovative biodegradable packaging based on pH-sensitive natural dyes is being developed. These smart systems quickly inform the food quality to the consumer and monitor fresh foods in real-time. Smart packaging protects food against ambiance risks and simultaneously sends information to users for variations and alterations in the packaging settings. Anthocyanin (ACY), among the natural dyes used as indicators serves as water-soluble flavonoid pigments which made reflection in light in the red-blue range and can detect chemical and microbial alterations in foods based on their pH-susceptible conditions; on the other hand, they have considerable antimicrobial and antioxidant functions that result in the longer shelf life of food products. They also have beneficial properties including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory functions, avoidance of heart diseases, overweight, and diabetes. Hence, this paper deals with the characteristics of smart packaging films based on anthocyanins, as well as their application in various food industries.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Smart packaging
• halochromic materials
• natural pigments
• pH-responsive indicators
• anthocyanins

Acknowledgements

Last author acknowledges the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology “Belt and Road” Innovative Talent Exchange Foreign Expert Project (Grant Number DL2023003001L)

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Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).