DEVELOPMENT OF PRINTABLE THERMOCHROMIC INK USING ANTHOCYANIDIN EXTRACT FOR FOOD SAFETY AND SECURITY APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Protecting the product and delivering it to the customer while communicating its highest quality is the main use of packing. The purpose of the study is the development of printable thermochromic ink using Anthocyanidin Extract for Food Safety and Security applications. Anthocyanin is a type of natural, water-soluble pigment that is abundant in nature and can be used as a natural dye. In this study, anthocyanins were extracted from palash flowers. 2-acryl amido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid is a biocompatible and effectively self-healing polymer that has been utilized as an excellent rub-resistant binder. Cobaltous chloride hexahydrate was added to enhance its color and thermochromism properties. The brownish yellow color printed on the paper board surface was able to change into a green color when the temperature increased from 30 to 70 °C, respectively. The color likewise went back to its original form when the temperature dropped. The thickness of the print and chemical interactions of ink were examined using scanning electron microscopy and FT-IR. The rub resistance, rheological characteristics, color analysis and the solid content of ink solutions and substrates printed with ink were also examined. The ink displayed excellent thermochromism and reversibility. The present ink can be effectively used in food delivery to indicate the temperature of delivered food and help consumer decide whether or not the food was prepared fresh.