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Intelligent Packaging with pH Indicator Potential

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Abstract

Intelligent packaging, in addition to acting as a food protection barrier, can emit a signal (electric, colorimetric, among others) in real time in response to any change in the initial packaging conditions and food quality. Packaging with pH indicators or pH sensors usually consists of two parts, a solid base and a dye sensitive to the pH change that makes up the colorimetric sensor. The dyes are extracted from various sources of fruits and vegetables or synthetics. At the beginning of the food deterioration process, alteration of the pH occurs; this change is one of the indicators of product quality. Packaging with a pH indicator is a measure that could indicate the quality of the food at the time of purchase or before consumption, making it safer for consumers. Research is being carried out with the aim of improving the characteristics and applicability of these indicators. This review paper presents research results on intelligent pH indicator packaging, with studies covering pigments, polymers, food and packaging solutions, as well as an overview of the materials/technologies used for the development, and the perspectives/challenges that involve this new technology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Food Technology, School of Chemistry and Food, Federal University of Rio Grande, Av. Italia, km 8, 474, Rio Grande, RS, 96203-900, Brazil

    Evellin Balbinot-Alfaro, Débora Vieira Craveiro, Karina Oliveira Lima, Helena Leão Gouveia Costa, Danielle Rubim Lopes & Carlos Prentice

Authors
  1. Evellin Balbinot-Alfaro
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  2. Débora Vieira Craveiro
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  3. Karina Oliveira Lima
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  4. Helena Leão Gouveia Costa
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  5. Danielle Rubim Lopes
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  6. Carlos Prentice
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Correspondence to Evellin Balbinot-Alfaro.

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Balbinot-Alfaro, E., Craveiro, D.V., Lima, K. et al. Intelligent Packaging with pH Indicator Potential. Food Eng Rev 11, 235–244 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12393-019-09198-9

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