Nanolignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNF)-enabled multifunctional ratiometric fluorescent bio-nanocomposite films for food freshness monitoring.

ABSTRACT

Herein, the nanolignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNF)-enabled ratiometric fluorescent bio-nanocomposite film is developed. Interestingly, the inclusion of LCNF in the cellulose-based film enhances the detecting performance of food freshness, such as high sensitivity to biogenic amines (BAs) (limit of detection (LOD) of up to 1.83 ppm) and ultrahigh discernible fluorescence color difference (ΔE = 113.11). The underlying mechanisms are the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), π - π interaction, and cation - π interaction between LCNF and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), as well as the increased hydrophobicity due to lignin, which increases the interactions of amines with FITC. Its color stability (up to 28 days) and mechanical property (49.4 Mpa) are simultaneously improved. Furthermore, a smartphone based detecting platform is developed to achieve access to food safety. This work presents a novel technology, which can have a great potential in the field of food packaging and safety.