Intelligent pH Sensing Films based on Chitosan/Cellulose Nanocrystals with Blood Peach Anthocyanins and β-Cyclodextrin-Encapsulated Carvacrol for Monitoring Shrimp Freshness
摘要
Intelligent indicator films were successfully fabricated by incorporating blood peach anthocyanins (BPA) and β-cyclodextrin-encapsulated carvacrol (β-CD@CAR) into chitosan/cellulose nanocrystals (CN) matrices. The prepared films were comprehensively characterized using multiple analytical techniques. The addition of BPA and β-CD@CAR significantly enhanced the films' UV–vis radiation blocking ability, thermal stability, as well as antioxidant (DPPH radical scavenging rate: 45.89% for CN-EO-1A film, vs. 7.71% for pure CN film) and antibacterial activities (inhibition zones of 10.24 mm and 8.52 mm against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively). Specifically, β-CD@CAR notably improved the mechanical properties of the films and strengthened their color stability and pH responsiveness. Notably, the CN film with 0.5% (w/w) BPA and β-CD@CAR (CN-EO-0.5A) demonstrated excellent performance, with a tensile strength of 10.99 MPa and an elongation at break of 91.66%. Additionally, it exhibited remarkable color responsiveness to different pH values and ammonia exposure. The effectiveness of the CN-EO-0.5A in monitoring shrimp freshness during storage at 4 °C was further evaluated. The film could visually indicate the freshness levels of shrimp, distinguishing among fresh, sub-fresh, and spoiled states through distinct color changes. Strong correlations were established between the total color difference of the CN-EO-0.5A and key freshness indicators of shrimp, including total volatile basic nitrogen (R2 = 0.9630) and total viable count (R2 = 0.9983). Therefore, the CN-EO-0.5A film showed promise for real-time monitoring seafood freshness.