Smart thermoplastic starch films with dual functionality: Quality preservation of tomatoes and spoilage detection in chicken

Kılıç N. N., KAHYAOĞLU L. N.

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, vol.330, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 330
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.147898
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, EMBASE, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, INSPEC, Veterinary Science Database
  • Keywords: Aronia melanocarpa, Cellulose nanocrystals, Smart packaging, Thermoplastic starch
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Smart food packaging offers a means to reduce food waste by combining active protection with real-time spoilage monitoring. In this study, thermoplastic starch (TPS) films were developed using Aronia melanocarpa extract (AE) as a dual-function active and colorimetric agent and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as reinforcing fillers. Physicochemical characterization showed that the film containing 0.1 wt% CNC (AE/CNC10/TPS) provided the best balance of barrier, structural, and mechanical properties. The films exhibited strong antioxidant activity (∼95 % ABTS, ∼88 % DPPH), selective antibacterial efficacy against E. coli, and anthocyanin release governed by Fickian diffusion during the first 8 h, with release rates strongly dependent on food simulant polarity. When applied to cherry tomatoes, AE/CNC10/TPS films effectively reduced weight loss, maintained firmness, and delayed compositional changes over 20 days of storage at 23 °C. As intelligent indicators, the films showed reproducible ammonia-triggered color changes correlating with chicken spoilage. Analytical calibration revealed a detection limit of 13.3 mg N/100 g, below the poultry spoilage threshold, and a quantification limit of 44.2 mg N/100 g, with improved reproducibility above threshold levels. These results confirm that AE/CNC/TPS films function as fully bio-based, dual-purpose packaging capable of both preserving food quality and providing reliable early-warning spoilage detection.