Development of pH-Sensitive Intelligent Indicator Film Based on Cassava Flour /Polyvinyl Alcohol Incorporated with Turmeric Powder (Curcuma longa L.) for Pork Freshness Monitoring
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.11783Keywords:
Intelligent indicator film, Cassava flour, Polyvinyl alcohol, Curcumin, Turmeric, Pork spoilageAbstract
This study aimed to develop a biodegradable intelligent indicator film based on cassava flour and polyvinyl alcohol incorporated with turmeric powder for real-time monitoring of pork freshness. The cassava flour (CF) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film were prepared using solution casting with glycerol as a plasticizer and varying turmeric contents (0% - 0.5% (based on the dry weight of CF). The films were evaluated for their physicochemical and functional properties. Results showed that increasing turmeric content slightly increased film thickness (0.19 - 0.29 mm) while decreasing moisture absorption (1.62% - 47.28%), water solubility (6.72% - 44.16%), and water vapor permeability (0.0043 - 0.0293 g/(m2·kPa·h)), indicating enhanced barrier performance. FTIR spectra suggested possible hydrogen bonding interactions between curcumin and the polymer matrix. The films exhibited a distinct, reversible color transitions in response to pH variation, especially under ammonia exposure and during pork storage at 4 ± 1 °C. The 0.4% turmeric film demonstrated the greatest sensitivity, maintaining structural stability and showing the most pronounced color change. Biodegradability tests revealed 91% - 100% weight loss within 4 weeks, underscoring the films’ environmental compatibility. Overall, turmeric-incorporated CF/PVA films represent a promising, eco-friendly alternative for smart packaging, linking biodegradability with pH-sensitivity to enhance food safety and reduce environmental impacts.
HIGHLIGHTS
- An intelligent pH-sensitive indicator film was successfully developed using cassava flour/PVA incorporated with turmeric powder.
- The addition of turmeric improved the film’s barrier properties and enabled distinct color changes in response to pork freshness.
- FTIR confirmed hydrogen bonding interactions between curcumin molecules and the polymer matrix.
- The film showed high biodegradability (91% - 100%) weight loss within 4 weeks), highlighting its eco-friendly potential.
- The 0.4% turmeric-incorporated film exhibited the most distinct color response, making it suitable for real-time pork freshness monitoring.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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