Gelatin/poly(vinyl alcohol)-based dual functional composite films integrated with metal-organic frameworks and anthocyanin for active and intelligent food packaging

Innovative active and pH-colorimetric composite films were fabricated from gelatin/poly(vinyl alcohol) (Gel/PVA) integrated with copper-based metal-organic frameworks (Cu-MOFs) and red cabbage anthocyanin (RCA). The incorporation of Cu-MOFs improved the tensile strength, water resistance, and UV shielding properties of the developed composite films. The addition of anthocyanins and 3 wt% Cu-MOFs endowed the polymer matrix with excellent antioxidant (100 % against ABTS and DPPH radicals) and antibacterial (against Gram-positive and Gram-negative foodborne pathogenic bacteria) functions. The fabricated composite films exhibited significant color change at alkaline conditions of pH 7–12 and a marked color change upon exposure to ammonia. The designed indicator films used for shrimp freshness tracking and a visual color change from pink (for fresh shrimp) to green (for spoiled shrimp) was observed during storage at 28 °C for 24 h. The potential applications of the engineered composite films were studied by shrimp packaging, and the quality parameters of packaged samples were monitored during storage. The synergistic effects of adding anthocyanins and MOF nanostructures works for better product freshness preservation and responds well to shrimp spoilage level, introducing novel active and intelligent packaging options for practical smart packaging applications.