A dual-channel indicator of fish spoilage based on a D-π-A luminogen serving as a smart label for intelligent food packaging

Advances in food monitoring benefit tremendously from the naked-eye observation and device-miniaturization of colorimetric and fluorometric methods. Intelligent food packaging, containing a built-in sensor inside food bags, is capable of real-time monitoring of food quality by visibly discernible out-put signals, which effectively ensures food safety. We synthesized a donor-π-acceptor (D-π-A) compound DPABA, and disclosed its fluorescence response to amines. According to quantum chemical calculations, DPABA is apt to D-A coupling in aggregated state, causing the formation of exciplex/excimer together with intermolecular charge/energy transfer to the disadvantage of light emission; while the evasion of amine vapors would decouple the intermolecular D-A interactions to induce stronger emission with shorter wavelength. Utilizing the amine vapor generated by fish, DPABA can serve as an indicator for freshness monitoring. To create an intelligent food package, the compound was made into cellulose film, which was further cut into smart labels to be encapsulated into food bags. The as-prepared smart label exhibits red color under ambient light and glows weak red emission under UV light, while it turns into faint yellow color in response to putrid fish, and its emission changes to bright cyan. The output signals can be accurately recorded by instrument, and detected by naked eye, suggesting high signal contrast. In addition, the smart label exhibits different changing scope in response to different degree of freshness, showing high potential for in-field detection.