Due to predetermined or inaccurate expiration date, not only does food at retail stores go to waste early, but consumers are at higher risk of foodborne illnesses. Intelligent packaging serves as a viable solution to this problem because it can communicate the information on food quality and safety in real time, by detecting direct or indirect indictors for food quality and safety (<i>e.g.</i>, humidity, temperature, pH, and freshness). We have fabricated smart biomimetic nanocellulose-based composite films that can respond to humidity and chemicals released during food spoilage.  The composite materials are prepared by co-assembling cellulose nanocrystals with biodegradable functional additives, and the material cost is affordable for the industry. The bionanocomposite films show distinct structural colors when exposed to the environments with different humidity levels and volatile amine concentrations. Depending on their advantages in terms of cost, stability, and biodegradability, these smart photonic materials have great potential to be used as indicators installed in intelligent food packaging.

Smart cellulose nanocrystal-based materials for intelligent packaging

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.