Self-triggered "Core-Shell" hydrogel sensor integrated with copper nano-aggregates for aquatic product freshness
Yajun Jin1, Yuandong Lin1, Jun-Hu Cheng1
1School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China; Academy of Contemporary Food Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006, China; Engineering and Technological Research Centre of Guangdong Province on Intelligent Sensing and Process Control of Cold Chain Foods, & Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Intelligent Cold Chain Logistics Equipment for Agricultural Products, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Abstract:
Aquatic products are susceptible to spoilage throughout the supply chain, creating an urgent demand for techniques that synchronize freshness monitoring and preservation. To bridge this technological gap, a "core-shell" hydrogel sensor was developed. Copper nano-aggregates incorporated in the hydrogel's outer layer responded to total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) by undergoing structural collapse. This process orchestrated a dual-action mechanism: the collapse directly induced fluorescence quenching for real-time freshness indication while simultaneously triggering rapid release of encapsulated eugenol for active preservation. Optimization of the polymer composition significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of hydrogels, achieving a 20-fold increase in compressive stress compared with polyacrylic acid hydrogels, alongside improved thermal stability. The sensor enabled freshness monitoring through TVB-N-correlated color transitions, and extended the shelf life of blackfish by three days (4 °C) via the triggered release of eugenol.
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