Electrospun nanofibers as food freshness and time-temperature indicators: A new approach in food intelligent packaging

Intelligent packaging with the ability to detect chemical, physical, and/or biological changes in the food is a breakthrough in the food industry. Food freshness indicators (FFI) and time-temperature indicators (TTI) are major groups of intelligent packaging. They can be fabricated as a label, providing a rapid response to food quality or storage temperature changes through color changes. Electrospinning, as an effective and versatile method of preparing continuous nanofibers, has been employed as a promising candidate to manufacture food packaging materials. More recently, electrospun nanofibers have been utilized as a novel platform for the development of FFI/TTI intelligent packaging due to their excellent properties including high molecular orientation, high porosity, high surface area with tailored morphology, and a high level of versatility. This article reviews the morphological/thermal properties, color response activity, and stability of electrospun nanofibers mats as intelligent food packaging (i.e., FFI and TTI-based electrospun nanofibers). The applications of FFI/TTI-based nanofibrous on different food commodities are discussed. Finally, the existing limits and perspectives for the development of electrospinning in the area of intelligent food packaging are discussed.