Characterisation and application of an intelligent packaging film based on gelatin and barberry anthocyanins for real-time veal freshness monitoring
摘要
The importance of monitoring and detecting microbial food deterioration has led to the development of promising innovations in packaging technology. This research aimed to fabricate and characterise a pH-sensitive film based on gelatin and barberry extract (BE) to monitor the freshness of veal during the storage period at room temperature (23 °C). The ethanolic extract of pre-treated anthocyanin-rich barberry was incorporated into the film-forming solution. The results demonstrated that the smart film showed improved properties, with a 32% reduction in water solubility, 28% and 35% decreases in water vapor and oxygen permeability, respectively, and a 57% increase in antioxidant activity. Additionally, the tensile strength of the film decreased by 26%, while its flexibility increased by 38%. Gelatin-based films containing BE exhibited a clear color response to pH variations and to the increase in total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) in veal during storage. These findings suggest that gelatin films incorporated with BE are promising antioxidant and pH-sensitive smart films for monitoring the freshness of meat and meat products.