Towards intelligent packaging: BCP-EVOH@ optode for milk freshness measurement

Area of Science:

• Food Science and Technology
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Intelligent packaging is crucial for monitoring perishable foods like milk.
• Current methods for milk freshness assessment can be complex or lack real-time feedback.
• There is a need for accessible and reliable sensors for chilled food storage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a miniaturized sensor for real-time milk freshness monitoring.
• To integrate visual assessment with chemometric analysis for spoilage detection.
• To demonstrate the utility of BCP-EVOH@ sensors in the food industry.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a BCP-EVOH@ sensor by covalently binding bromocresol purple (BCP) to ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer.
• Utilizing the sensor for naked-eye evaluation of milk spoilage.
• Applying chemometric methods for advanced spoilage modelling and quantitative measurements.

Main Results:

• The BCP-EVOH@ sensor effectively monitors milk freshness during chilled storage.
• The sensor allows for both qualitative (naked-eye) and quantitative (chemometric-assisted) spoilage assessment.
• Demonstrated the potential for miniaturized sensors in intelligent food packaging.

Conclusions:

• The developed BCP-EVOH@ sensor is a promising tool for intelligent packaging of perishable foods.
• This technology offers a simple yet effective solution for milk freshness monitoring.
• Future applications could extend to other dairy products and perishable food items.