Iranian Scientists Make Smart Label for Monitoring Seafood Health

Asma Vardian, a researcher at Mashhad Food Science and Industry Research Institute, used anthocyanin, curcumin and their optimal ratio on nanofibrchitin substrate to produce pH-sensitive ink and indicator for monitoring shrimp spoilage with the naked eye.

In this project, smart green ink was made from shrimp shell waste (chitin nanofibers) and the combination of two natural pigments, curcumin and anthocyanin obtained from saffron petals, to monitor the freshness of shrimp during storage in the refrigerator.

These smart inks were stable even after being stored for six months at different temperatures.

In a relevant development in April, researchers at a knowledge-based company in Iran had also produced edible bio-coatings to protect food products against physical, chemical, and biological deterioration, a report said, adding, the company also offers services in testing quality of polymer products and foodstuff packages.

“A group of knowledge-based assessment and quality assurance services are offered for all polymer raw materials, additives and polymer packaging products produced by domestic and foreign companies. In these services, the food products are assessed in terms of food safety, health and their food and health grade in accordance with the national and international standards of the European Union, the American Food and Drug Administration, and the Eurasian Customs Union, and the groundwork is provided for improving their quality,” said Abdul Rasoul Orumiyehei , the chairman of the Board of Directors and managing director of the knowledge-based company said, according to a report by the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy.

Referring to the development of technology in the field of production of polymer products, he said that the supplying know-how in the production of plastic, wood and recycling of plastic and polymer waste is one of the achievements of this knowledge-based group.

Orumiyehei pointed to the development of “bioprotect” edible coating technology for food products in their company, saying, “In this technology, natural materials are used for packaging of food products that have to be more durable and have long shelf life, including nuts and dried fruits. Moreover, consulting and offering products according to the customer’s needs in the packaging of food products are other services provided in this company.”

“We have received necessary approvals and permits for the production of nano and antibacterial edible coating solution for nuts and dried fruits is in the semi-industrial production stage. This product is an edible coating made of 100% natural materials to protect nuts and dried fruits against environmental pollution and increase the product’s shelf life. These materials are used instead of synthetic plastics. The research and development of biological food coating technology for packaging meat, poultry meat and fruits is also on the path towards commercialization,” the managing director of the company said.

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