A novel pH-sensitive antibacterial bilayer film for intelligent packaging

Intelligent single-layer packaging is widely used in food monitoring and storage. However, most single-layer intelligent packaging has poor mechanical strength and water barrier properties. In this study, a bilayer intelligent detector film based on polyvinyl alcohol-chitosan (PVA-CS)/nano-ZnO/sodium alginate (SA) combined with anthocyanin extract (cyanidin chloride) was prepared using a layer-by-layer solution casting assembly technique. The effects of different levels of anthocyanin extracts on the physical and functional properties of the films, including microstructure, mechanical property, barrier property, pH sensitivity, and antibacterial property, were investigated. The results show that the bilayers exhibit excellent physical properties, lower water vapor permeability, better light transmission and UV-blocking properties, a broader pH sensitivity (ΔE > 10), and good antibacterial activity. In short, the bilayer films studied are superior to the single-layer films in terms of their packaging potential for products with low moisture content, offering new directions for active intelligent packaging and biodegradable materials for the food industry.