A ratiometric fluorescence amine sensor based on carbon quantum dot-loaded electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride film for visual monitoring of food freshness

A ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on dual-emission carbon quantum dots (CQD) was developed to real time monitor food spoilage. Two hydrophobic electrospun fluorescent films were developed using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as the film-forming polymer in combination with CQD as the fluorescent probe. The CQD/PVDF film and CQD@PVDF film enabled the analysis of TMA with limits of detection (LODs) of 1.04 mu M and 2.1 mu M, respectively, and they exhibited excellent stability at 4 degrees C. By these virtues, the CQD@PVDF film exhibited visible fluorescence color changes from yellow green to blue by real time and nondestructively sensing volatile amines generated from beef, pork and shrimp in a packaging system with high humidity. This strategy provided a simple but useful, non-destructive, robust, and platform to real time monitor food spoilage for intelligent food packaging.

Automated summary

A ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on dual-emission carbon quantum dots (CQD) was developed for real-time monitoring of food spoilage. The sensor, comprised of hydrophobic electrospun fluorescent films made from PVDF and CQD, exhibited excellent stability and high sensitivity in detecting volatile amines generated from various types of meat. This non-destructive sensing platform provides a simple and robust solution for intelligent food packaging.