Multifunctional Sensors Made with Conductive Microframework and Biomass Hydrogel for Detecting Packaging Pressure and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Sensor Technology
• Food Science

Background:

• Food packaging monitoring is crucial for reducing spoilage and optimizing storage.
• Existing sensors lack multifunctionality, low cost, and high sensitivity for simultaneous detection of food freshness and packaging pressure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, low-cost, and highly sensitive multifunctional sensor for food packaging.
• To integrate pressure sensing and spoilage detection capabilities into a single device.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a MXene coated alcohol-soluble polyurethane fiber network (MXene/APU) for pressure sensing.
• Development of composite biohydrogel films (konjac glucomannan, chitosan, blueberry anthocyanin - KCB) for pH-based spoilage detection.
• Utilized microfluidic blow-spinning for efficient microfiber network preparation.

Main Results:

• The MXene/APU pressure sensor demonstrated high sensitivity (1.16 kPa⁻¹), rapid response (200 ms), a wide strain range (1092%), and stability.
• The KCB component enabled sensitive detection of food spoilage via pH-induced color changes.
• The integrated sensor successfully detected package bulging, squeezing, and food deterioration.

Conclusions:

• A novel multifunctional sensor for food packaging was successfully developed, combining pressure and spoilage detection.
• The sensor's performance is attributed to the unique properties of MXene/APU and KCB components.
• This technology offers a promising solution for smart food packaging, enhancing safety and reducing waste.