What question did this study set out to answer?

To develop a sustainable bilayer film for smart food packaging that detects pork spoilage.

February 2, 2026Food and Bioprocess Technology0 citations

Smart and Sustainable Bilayer Packaging Film Enabling Smartphone-Based Colorimetric Detection of Pork Spoilage

CLChangli LiuSouth China Agricultural University LGLing GongNortheast Forestry University XLXueying LuNortheast Forestry University

Key Points

To develop a sustainable bilayer film for smart food packaging that detects pork spoilage.
Created a protective layer using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and zinc alginate.
Developed a functional layer through layer-by-layer assembly for pH-sensitive color responses.
Employed smartphone-assisted colorimetric analysis for detection of spoilage gases.
Achieved a reduction in water vapor permeability from 0.32 to 0.097 g/m·s·Pa.
More than 30% reduction in mass loss of packaged pork.
Maintained pH stability and suppressed total volatile basic nitrogen below acceptable levels.

Abstract

A dual-layer film based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, zinc alginate, and Hylocereus undatus peel extract was developed for intelligent food packaging applications. The protective layer, prepared by solution casting and surface modification, exhibited enhanced hydrophobicity and barrier performance, with water vapor permeability decreasing from 0.32 × 10⁻ 10 to 0.097 × 10⁻ 10 g/m·s·Pa and the water contact angle approaching 90°. The functional layer, fabricated via layer-by-layer assembly, showed pH-sensitive and reversible color responses under simulated spoilage conditions relevant to meat storage. Synergistic intermolecular interactions improved structural integrity, optical transparency, and ultraviolet (UV) shielding, reducing UV transmittance by more than 80%. The dual-layer film effectively mitigated food spoilage by reducing mass loss by approximately 30%, maintaining pH stability, and suppressing total volatile basic nitrogen to below acceptable freshness limits. Furthermore, smartphone-assisted colorimetric analysis enabled rapid, low-cost, and on-site detection of CO 2 and NH 3 emissions, highlighting the practical applicability of the system. By integrating biodegradable, waste-derived materials with digital sensing technology, this study provides a sustainable and innovative strategy for intelligent food packaging and food safety management.

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