Dual-function β-cyclodextrin/starch-based intelligent film with reversible responsiveness and sustained bacteriostat-releasing for food preservation and monitoring

The full combination of high sensitivity indication and long-lasting bacteriostatic function is an innovative need to meet the practicality of intelligent film packaging systems for food products. Hence, Blueberry anthocyanins (BA) copigmentated by ferulic acid (FA) was used as an indicator, and cinnamon essential oil (CO) encapsulated by β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as a bacteriostat, potato starch (PS) as a film-forming substrate to prepared a dual-function starch-based intelligent active packaging film with pH indicator and antibacterial function. FA had the best copigmentation effect with a threefold increase in a value compared to other phenolic acids. The ΔE value increased from 3.24 to 5.13 at pH 2–8, and the change was still prominent in acid-base alternating test, indicating a high response sensitivity. Notably, the yellow gamut of indicating terminus increased its visibility to the naked eye. The release behavior of CO from film was in line with Fick's diffusion. Meanwhile, the release of CO delayed to about 90 h through β-cyclodextrin encapsulation, showing a high growth-inhibition rate in E. coli and S. aureus of almost 100 %. In this study, a dual-function film with indication and bacteriostasis was prepared and enhanced with both, expanding its wide application in intelligent packaging of fresh food.