A novel pH-sensing indicator based on bacterial cellulose nanofibers and black carrot anthocyanins for monitoring fish freshness

A novel intelligent pH-sensing indicator based on bacterial nanocellulose (BC) and black carrot anthocyanins (CA) was developed and characterized to monitor the freshness/spoilage of rainbow trout and common carp fillet during the storage at 4 °C. The indicator displayed wide color differences from red to gray over the 2-11 pH range, which was clearly discerned by the naked eye. The fabricated pH-sensing indicator showed distinguishable color changes during fresh (deep carmine color), best to eat (charm pink color), and spoiled (jelly bean blue and khaki colors) stages of both fish fillets. Moreover, a strong and positive correlation was obtained between the total color differences values of the indicator and bacterial count (R = 0.952 and 0.991) and total volatile basic nitrogen (R = 0.815 and 0.92) in rainbow trout and common carp samples. The results of this work demonstrated a significant correspondence of fish shelf life and color changes of a nanocellulose-based pH-sensing indicator.