MUMBAI, India, June 26 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202441100118 A) filed by Gm University on December 17, 2024, for Ph-Responsive Smart Polymer Films For Sustainable Food Packaging.
Inventors include Keerthi S; Swaroop K; Ashwini S G; Bhavana P L; and Rekha B A.
The application for the patent was published on June 19, 2026, under issue no. 25/2026.
Abstract: Title: pH-Responsive Smart Polymer Films for Sustainable Food Packaging This invention describes the development of pH-responsive films incorporating Methyl Red and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) for use in intelligent food packaging applications. These films are designed with halochromic properties, meaning they undergo distinct colour changes—from red to orange to yellow—when exposed to varying pH levels, specifically in the pH range of 4 to 6.5. This pH sensitivity makes the films an effective tool for monitoring food spoilage in real-time, offering a visual indication of the freshness and safety of the packaged food. The mechanical properties of the films were thoroughly evaluated, revealing a tensile strength of 44 MPa and an elongation at the break point of 42%. These properties ensure that the films are durable yet flexible enough to withstand handling and packaging processes. Additionally, the films exhibit a water absorption rate of 69%, providing adequate interaction with the food medium, which is essential for maintaining their functionality in food packaging applications. UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis was employed to assess the halo chromic behaviour of the films under various pH conditions. The results confirmed that the films displayed the expected colour transitions in response to pH changes, further validating their potential for real-time spoilage detection. The films were tested with both fresh and spoiled papaya, showing promising results in detecting microbial activity-induced spoilage. In particular, they provided clear visual indicators of spoilage when exposed to the changes in pH caused by microbial degradation. The polymer films are biodegradable, non-toxic, and transparent, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional food packaging. These features not only enhance the sustainability of food packaging systems but also contribute to consumer safety by ensuring that the packaging itself does not pose any harmful effects to health or the environment.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
