Volume 15, Issue 59, 2026
Research Article
Halochromic Cellulose Acetate-Based Composite Film for Real-Time Monitoring of Packed Seer Fish Spoilage
Kesavan Devarayan, Gangeswar Mohan, Anand Theivasigamani, Ayyannan Ganesan, Monikandon Sukumaran, Vinothini Sukumaran
Keywords: Halochromic sensor, fish spoilage, packed fish, cellulose acetate, polysaccharides.
DOI:10.37273/chesci.cs032057081
Abstract
Real-time, non-invasive assessment of spoilage in packaged seafood remains a challenge for both retailers and consumers. This study describes the fabrication of a mixed-indicator/cellulose acetate/potato dextrose agar/starch (MI/CA/PDA/S) composite film, prepared in a single casting step, for halochromic monitoring of packed seer fish (Scomberomorus guttatus) spoilage. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding between CA and PDA, supporting homogeneous immobilization of MI within the composite matrix. The film exhibited a rapid, visually distinct colour change on exposure to ammonia vapour, with colorimetric analysis (ΔE) showing values of 50.48 and 80.89 at 24 and 48 h during room-temperature storage, and 34.29 and 67.65 at 6 and 10 days under refrigeration, exceeding the sensitivity previously reported for a membrane-protected MI/PVA sensor. RGB analysis further supported smartphone-compatible digital monitoring. The film showed a swelling index of 42.62%, indicating restricted water uptake, and 41.46% biodegradability, intermediate between pure CA- and agar/starch-based films. These results demonstrate that the MI/CA/PDA/S film is a low-cost, sensitive and biodegradable sensor suitable for real-time spoilage monitoring of packed seafood.
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How to cite this article: Kesavan Devarayan, Gangeswar Mohan, Anand Theivasigamani, Ayyannan Ganesan, Monikandon Sukumaran, Vinothini Sukumaran. Halochromic Cellulose Acetate-Based Composite Film for Real-Time Monitoring of Packed Seer Fish Spoilage. Chem Sci Rev Lett 2026; 15(59).
Licence: This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License (CC BY 3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.