Introduction: Intelligent packaging utilizes chemical indicators to identify the quality and determine the safety of packaged beef for consumers. In the future, such intelligent packaging will reduce food waste and will assist in reducing foodborne illnesses related to spoiled beef. Sustainable materials such as bio-based materials contribute to sustainability initiatives and preserve resources for future generations. Purpose: To develop and characterize a film with a color pH indicator coating using bio-based materials to determine the spoilage of beef. Methods: A film coating with a color pH indicator to determine spoilage of beef was successfully developed using the bio-based material pectin as a coating matrix and bromocresol green as the color pH indicator compound. Films were expected to change from yellow to blue. Control samples and treatment samples (i.e., film with a color pH indicator coating) were exposed to two different treatments: stored at 4 ± 1 °C and temperature abuse for 13 days. Beef samples were tested for pH and aerobic bacteria plate count (n=100). Film samples were tested for color parameters (L*, a*, b*, c* and h°) (n=100), mechanical properties (n=50), water vapor transmission rate (n=4), oxygen transmission rate (n=4), DSC (n=4), and FTIR (n=4). Results: The color change of the color pH indicator film was expected to activate upon change in pH level. The average b* value changed significantly (p&lt;0.001), the film changed from yellow to dark blue during shelf life. There was no significant difference (p &lt; 0.05) between control and treatment samples in aerobic bacteria plate count, mechanical properties, and water and oxygen transmission rate, meaning the color pH indicator coating did not affect beef preservation. Significance: This film with a color pH indicator coating for beef provides reliable and accurate information about beef's spoilage, reduces food waste, and supports preventing foodborne illnesses. Finally, it can be said that this study presents a new aspect of intelligent sustainable films.

Creation and characterization of a film with a color pH indicator coating to determine the spoilage of beef, using bio-based materials

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

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