A colorimetric sensor array based on transparent photographic film (triacetyl cellulose polymer) as a smart label for naked eye detection of chicken meat spoilage

A new transparent colorimetric sensor array is presented for naked eye monitoring of the chicken meat freshness. This sensor array consists of four sensors fabricated by using pH indicators, immobilized on triacetyl cellulose (TAC) membrane. The sensor array represented obvious color change when it was exposed to the volatile organic compounds emitted from the chicken meat after 20 h keeping at room temperature or after four days of storage in the refrigerator. Therefore, it could easily identify spoiled meat from the fresh one assisted by chemometrics data analysis. Also, the color change of sensors due to the spoilage was sharp enough that could be read even by untrained people, providing naked eye monitoring the chicken meat freshness. The TAC polymer represented high physical stability for industrial scale-up. In addition, the immobilized indicators represented good stability against color change in humid condition. This offered the potential for continuous monitoring of the meat spoilage as smart labeling in the markets.

Automated summary

This study presents a new transparent colorimetric sensor array for naked eye monitoring of chicken meat freshness. The sensor array, consisting of four sensors, demonstrates obvious color change characteristics. It can easily distinguish fresh meat from spoiled meat, and can be monitored by untrained individuals through visual observation.