Citation: Xinyu Liu, Xiao Zhou, Wenhui Li, Rongran Zeng, Xinnan Zhai, Yanhong Li, Chunyuan Tian, Lijun Zhao, Feng Luan, Tao He, Jie Liu, Mingle Li, Xuming Zhuang, Chao Shi, Xiaojun Peng. Intelligent pH-responsive colorimetric film with smartphone-assistance for dynamic visual shrimp freshness monitoring and beef preservation[J]. Chinese Chemical Letters, ;2026, 37(12): 112319. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.112319 shu

Intelligent pH-responsive colorimetric film with smartphone-assistance for dynamic visual shrimp freshness monitoring and beef preservation

Xinyu Liu ^{a, 1} ,
Xiao Zhou ^{b, 1} ,
Wenhui Li ^a ,
Rongran Zeng ^a ,
Xinnan Zhai ^a ,
Yanhong Li ^a ,
Chunyuan Tian ^a ,
Lijun Zhao ^a ,
Feng Luan ^a ,
Tao He ^a ,
Jie Liu ^a ,
Mingle Li ^{c, *,} ,
Xuming Zhuang ^{a, *,} ,
Chao Shi ^{a, *,} ,
Xiaojun Peng ^c

a.
College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
b.
State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
c.
College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China

limingle@szu.edu.cn

xmzhuang@iccas.ac.cn

shichao@ytu.edu.cn

Received Date: 21 October 2025
Revised Date: 23 December 2025
Accepted Date: 23 December 2025
Available Online: 24 December 2025

Figures(4)

The advancement of intelligent packaging systems that integrate real-time freshness monitoring with active preservation capabilities is critically important for enhancing food safety. Beyond traditional single-function packaging materials, we synthesized sulfur/selenium-substituted Nile blue (NBS/NBSe) dyes for fabricating multifunctional films (SA/NBS, SA/NBSe) using sodium alginate (SA) via an extended-flow casting method. The obtained films exhibited dual functionality of freshness monitoring and antibacterial preservation, with excellent mechanical properties and stability. Compared with SA/NBS, SA/NBSe films demonstrated high sensitivity in monitoring shrimp freshness, which aligned with the RGB analysis results obtained via a smartphone application in total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) determination. Theoretical analysis revealed that NBSe was more sensitive to pH changes because its acidic type possessed a larger surface distribution in the high electrostatic potential region for promoting H⁺ ionization. Furthermore, SA/NBSe film contributed superior preservation efficacy for fresh beef cuts (6-day extension) and strong bacteriostatic ability attributed to ¹O₂ and O₂^•− generation of photodynamic antimicrobial therapy. Overall, these findings highlight the pH-responsiveness and antibacterial potency of Nile blue–based packaging films, making them promising for the qualitative freshness monitoring and preservation of protein-rich foods.
- Nile blue dyes,
- pH-responsiveness,
- Smartphone assistance,
- Photodynamic antimicrobial therapy,
- Freshness monitoring and preservation
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沈阳化工大学材料科学与工程学院沈阳 110142