Preparation and Application of pH-Sensitive Film Containing Anthocyanins Extracted from Lycium ruthenicum Murr.

A new pH-sensitive film was developed using Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch. gum (ASKG), soybean protein isolate (SPI), and natural anthocyanin extracted from Lycium ruthenicum Murr. The film was prepared by adsorbing anthocyanins dissolved in an acidified alcohol solution on a solid matrix. ASKG and SPI were used as the solid matrix for the immobilization of the Lycium ruthenicum Murr. anthocyanin extract, which was absorbed into the film as a natural dye using the facile-dip method. Regarding the mechanical properties of the pH-sensitive film, the tensile strength (TS) values increased approximately 2–5-fold, but the elongation at break (EB) values decreased significantly by about 60% to 95%. With the increase in anthocyanin concentration, the oxygen permeability (OP) values first decreased by about 85%, and then increased by about 364%. The water vapor permeability (WVP) values increased by about 63%, and then decreased by about 20%. Colorimetric analysis of the films revealed variations in color at different pH values (pH 2.0–10.0). Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra and XRD patterns indicated compatibility among ASKG, SPI, and anthocyanin extracts. In addition, an application test was conducted to establish a correlation between film color change and carp meat spoilage. At storage temperatures of 25 °C and 4 °C, when the meat was totally spoiled, the TVB-N values reached 99.80 ± 2.53 mg/100 g and 58.75 ± 1.49 mg/100 g, and the film’s color changed from red to light brown and from red to yellowish green, respectively. Therefore, this pH-sensitive film could be used as an indicator to monitor the freshness of meat during storage.