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Smart packaging temperature indicator based on encapsulated thermochromic material for the optimal watermelon taste

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Abstract

Smart packaging technology employing thermochromic materials has been a major concern in food industry due to the prediction of food quality and safety and an easy use. As changing temperature, the minimal inter-color interference is a crucial factor for smart packaging applications. Here, the naked-eye discernible color switching indicators, employing encapsulated thermochromic materials, were designed to present the optimal intake temperature of watermelon. This attachable indicator was fabricated using printable ink on a paper medium. The color switching behaviors were violet (< 6 °C), red (9–11 °C), and gray (> 13 °C). To minimize the color interference, the relationship between inter-color interference and the visibility were investigated in terms of the applied ink thickness. At 20–25 µm thickness, minor color residue and clear visibility were observed. The sweetness was an important factor for the determination of watermelon taste, and the perception of sweetness increased in the temperature range of 9–11 °C. The required cooling time for watermelon temperature to be homogeneous was investigated by the heat transfer from atmosphere to watermelon. The convective heat transfer coefficient (h) and the conductive heat transfer coefficient (k) were obtained. The indicator attached on the surface of watermelon exhibited the three color switching behavior reflecting the average temperature of whole watermelon.

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Acknowledgements

This study was carried out with the support of the “Research Program for Agricultural Science & Technology Development (Project No.PJ01247301)”, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Agricultural Engineering, Rural Development Administration, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, 310 Nongsaengmyeng-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Korea

    Yong Hoon Kim, Chun Wan Park, Jin Se Kim, Dong Soo Choi, Seok Ho Park & Jae Yong Son

  2. Postharvest Research Division, Rural Development Administration, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Sciences, 100 Nongsaengmyeng-ro, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Korea

    Yoon Pyo Hong

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  1. Yong Hoon Kim
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  2. Chun Wan Park
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  3. Jin Se Kim
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Correspondence to Yong Hoon Kim.

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Kim, Y.H., Park, C.W., Kim, J.S. et al. Smart packaging temperature indicator based on encapsulated thermochromic material for the optimal watermelon taste. Food Measure 16, 2347–2355 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11694-022-01342-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11694-022-01342-0

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