Development of antioxidant and smart NH3-sensing packaging film by incorporating bilirubin into κ-carrageenan matrix

BACKGROUNDActive and smart food packaging based on natural polymers and pH-sensitive dyes as indicators has attracted widespread attention. In the present study, an antioxidant and amine-response color indicator film was developed by incorporating bilirubin (BIL) into the & kappa;-carrageenan (Carr) matrix. RESULTSIt was found that the introduction of BIL had no effect on the crystal/chemical structure, water sensitivity and mechanical performance of the Carr-based films. However, the barrier properties to light and the thermal stability were significantly improved after the addition BIL. The Carr/BIL composite films exhibited excellent 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (i.e. DPPH)/2,2 & PRIME;-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (i.e. ABTS) free radical scavenging abilities and color responsiveness to different concentrations of ammonia. The application assay reflected that the Carr/BIL0.0075 film was effective in delaying the oxidative deterioration of shrimp during storage and realizing the color response of its freshness through the change of b* value. CONCLUSIONActive and smart packaging films were successfully prepared by incorporating different contents of BIL into the Carr matrix. The present study helps to further encourage the design and development of a multi-functional packaging material. & COPY; 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.