Azodye-based colorimetric sensor array for identification of biogenic amines: Food forensics by portable RGB-based signal readout

Biogenic amines (BA's) are known to be released as a result of decarboxylation of amino acids during the long storage of protein rich food products, and thus subsequently established as spoiled food markers. Consequently, the selective and sensitive detection of these biogenic amines is of utmost importance for food safety and monitoring. In this regard, herein, we demonstrate the azodye-based colorimetric sensor array for a rapid quantitative profiling of these food spoilage markers. The distinct responses towards various biogenic amines were identified and processed through automated multivariate analysis. Qualitative and quantitative determination of target analytes were performed using LDA and PSLR and results obtained showing linear correlation with different concentrations of target analytes with limit of detection values from 1.23 to 6.60 μM. For practical application, we have developed solid state cellulose paper-based sensor array which exhibits colorimetric changes for different biogenic amines; thus, makes it a potential system to conveniently monitor the concentration of analyte under investigation for food safety and monitoring through RGB analysis.