Intelligent food packaging label integrating preservation and microbiological detection
By integrating an antibacterial layer and a fluorescent reaction layer into food packaging labels, and utilizing the combination of microbial inhibitors and specific antibodies, food preservation and microbial detection are achieved. This solves the problem of insufficient preservation and detection functions in existing technologies and improves the specificity and speed of detection.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422860495.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-12
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-22
AI Technical Summary
Existing food packaging labels cannot simultaneously achieve both preservation and microbial detection functions, and their detection specificity for different microorganisms is insufficient, failing to meet the need for rapid assessment of food safety.
Design a smart food packaging label that integrates preservation and microbial detection. It includes an antibacterial layer and a fluorescent reaction layer. The antibacterial layer contains microbial inhibitors, and the fluorescent reaction layer is coated with microbial-specific antibodies and fluorescent probes. The fluorescent probes are excited by ultraviolet light to emit light waves for detection, and the fluorescent signal is recorded by an imaging device.
It achieves food preservation and can specifically detect different microorganisms, improving detection accuracy and speed, and meeting the need for rapid food safety assessment.
Smart Images
Figure CN223665007U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of intelligent food packaging, and more specifically, it relates to an intelligent food packaging label that integrates preservation and microbial detection. Background Technology
[0002] Recently, consumers have placed increasingly higher demands on food safety and quality. Traditional food quality testing methods involve inoculating food samples onto specific culture media, culturing them under appropriate temperature and humidity conditions, and then observing the growth of microorganisms. This method can directly reflect microbial activity and observe the types and quantities of microorganisms. However, this method has a long testing cycle, requiring several days or even weeks, and it cannot provide real-time information on food freshness and quality, making it unsuitable for situations requiring rapid food safety assessments. Furthermore, the testing requires the use of many specialized instruments and equipment.
[0003] Therefore, there is a huge market demand for developing intelligent packaging systems for food monitoring. These systems can provide consumers with real-time quantitative or qualitative information about environmental conditions and the quality of packaged foods at each stage of the supply chain. Based on this, indicator packaging labels made from natural pH-responsive visual monitoring materials such as anthocyanins have begun to appear on the market. These labels indirectly determine and indicate the food packaging expiration date by utilizing the color change of anthocyanins under different acidity conditions. However, this detection method is prone to false positives, lacks specificity for detecting different microorganisms, and existing anthocyanin-based food freshness monitoring materials do not have the function of preserving freshness or extending shelf life.
[0004] The most common method for preserving and extending the shelf life of food is mechanical cryogenic storage. However, cryogenic storage is costly, energy-intensive, and results in inconsistent quality. Furthermore, tropical and subtropical fruits and vegetables, such as eggplant, cannot be stored at low temperatures but only at sub-zero temperatures; otherwise, chilling injury can easily occur. Harmful bacteria multiply rapidly at sub-zero temperatures, often leading to severe spoilage during storage. Therefore, for most perishable fresh foods, it is necessary not only to assess edibility based on microbial growth but also to consider extending their shelf life to meet current market demands.
[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a smart food packaging label that can not only integrate preservation and microbial detection functions, but also perform specific detection of different microorganisms. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a smart food packaging label that integrates preservation and microbial detection, aiming to solve the problems that existing food packaging labels cannot simultaneously achieve food preservation and microbial detection functions, as well as the lack of specificity for detecting different microorganisms.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0008] A smart food packaging label integrating preservation and microbial detection is characterized in that it includes a label body affixed inside the packaging and a fluorescent display box installed outside the packaging, wherein the packaging at the label body installation position is transparent and the fluorescent display box completely covers the transparent area.
[0009] The label body includes a composite antibacterial layer and a fluorescent reaction layer. The antibacterial layer is disposed on the side of the label body away from the packaging. The antibacterial layer contains embedded microbial inhibitors. The fluorescent reaction layer is coated with microbial-specific antibodies and fluorescent probes.
[0010] The fluorescent display box includes a box body, an ultraviolet lamp is installed inside the box body, a filter is fixedly installed on the box body directly above the fluorescent reaction layer, and an imaging device is placed above the filter.
[0011] As a further preferred embodiment of this technical solution, the microbial inhibitor is embedded in the antibacterial layer by nano-microcapsules, and a plurality of nano-microcapsules are provided, which are evenly distributed within the antibacterial layer.
[0012] As a further preferred embodiment of this technical solution, the nanocapsules are made of natural polymer materials or easily degradable synthetic polymer materials.
[0013] As a further preferred embodiment of this technical solution, the microbial inhibitor is cinnamon essential oil.
[0014] As a further preferred embodiment of this technical solution, fluorescent lines for spraying the fluorescent probe and detection lines for spraying microbial-specific antibodies are provided on the fluorescent reaction layer. Multiple detection lines are provided, and each detection line is used to spray specific antibodies against different microorganisms.
[0015] As a further preferred embodiment of this technical solution, a quality control line is also provided on the fluorescent reaction layer, which is used for secondary antibody testing of the sprayed product.
[0016] As a further preferred embodiment of this technical solution, the distance between the imaging device and the fluorescent reaction layer is 8-10 cm.
[0017] As a further preferred embodiment of this technical solution, two ultraviolet lamps are provided, and the two ultraviolet lamps are symmetrically installed at the upper two corners of the box body.
[0018] As a further preferred embodiment of this technical solution, both the antibacterial layer and the fluorescent reaction layer are made of nanocellulose.
[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0020] The label body of this invention includes an antibacterial layer and a fluorescent reaction layer. The antibacterial layer contains a microbial inhibitor, which is slowly released into the food packaging to inhibit microorganisms that threaten food health, thereby slowing down microbial growth and achieving antibacterial effects, thus preserving the food. The fluorescent reaction layer is coated with microbial-specific antibodies and fluorescent probes. Both the microbial-specific antibodies and fluorescent probes can bind to microorganisms within the food packaging. When the microorganisms reach a certain concentration, the microorganisms' own antigens first bind to the fluorescent probes, and then the fluorescent probes migrate across the fluorescent reaction layer... The fluorescent probes further bind specifically to microbial antibodies, generating a fluorescent signal. An ultraviolet lamp on a fluorescent display box mounted on the outside of the food packaging emits ultraviolet light. This light passes through a transparent area at the label's mounting location and illuminates the fluorescent probes on the fluorescent reaction layer. Upon receiving the ultraviolet light, the probes are excited and emit light waves. A filter retains the visible light emitted by the fluorescent probes while filtering out other light waves. The retained visible light is then captured and recorded by an imaging device. The fluorescence displayed on the imaging device indicates the current microbial growth status inside the packaging, thus determining the edibility of the food. In summary, the smart packaging label of this invention simultaneously ensures food preservation and microbial detection. Furthermore, the immunological detection method combining microbial specific antibodies and microbial antigens achieves a one-to-one microbial response, making microbial detection more targeted and improving detection accuracy. Attached Figure Description
[0021] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to explain the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the embedding structure of the microbial inhibitor in the antibacterial layer in this utility model.
[0024] Among them, 1-antibacterial layer, 2-fluorescent reaction layer, 3-microbial inhibitor, 4-microbial specific antibody, 5-fluorescent probe, 6-box, 7-ultraviolet lamp, 8-filter, 9-imaging device, 10-nano microcapsule. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0026] Example 1
[0027] like Figures 1 to 2 The food smart packaging label shown is characterized by including a label body affixed inside the packaging and a fluorescent display box installed outside the packaging. The packaging at the location where the label body is installed is transparent, and the fluorescent display box completely covers the transparent area.
[0028] More specifically, the label body includes a composite antibacterial layer 1 and a fluorescent reaction layer 2. The antibacterial layer 1 is disposed on the side of the label body away from the packaging. The antibacterial layer 1 contains embedded microbial inhibitors 3. The fluorescent reaction layer 2 is coated with microbial-specific antibodies 4 and fluorescent probes 5. The fluorescent display box includes a box body 6. An ultraviolet lamp 7 is installed inside the box body 6. A filter 8 is fixedly installed on the box body 6 directly above the fluorescent reaction layer 2. An imaging device 9 is placed above the filter 8.
[0029] It should be noted that the composite process of the antibacterial layer 1 and the fluorescent reaction layer 2 can be accomplished using 3D printing technology.
[0030] In this embodiment, the distance between the imaging device 9 and the fluorescent reaction layer 2 is set to 8-10 cm; two ultraviolet lamps 7 are provided, and the two ultraviolet lamps 7 are symmetrically installed at the upper corners on both sides inside the box 9 to ensure that the fluorescent reaction layer 2 can fully receive ultraviolet light, thereby fully exciting the fluorescent probe 5 on the fluorescent reaction layer; both the antibacterial layer 1 and the fluorescent reaction layer 2 are made of nanocellulose. Nanocellulose has high strength and good barrier properties, which can significantly enhance the self-strength of the label body and extend its service life.
[0031] The working principle of the smart food packaging label in this embodiment is as follows: First, the antibacterial layer 1 located inside the packaging takes effect. It can slowly release microbial inhibitors 3 into the packaging, inhibiting microorganisms that threaten food health, thereby slowing down the growth of microorganisms in the food packaging, achieving the purpose of antibacterial action, and preserving the food. After the microbial inhibitors 3 in the antibacterial layer 1 are exhausted, the number of microorganisms inside the packaging begins to increase. When the number of microorganisms reaches a certain level, the self-antigens of the microorganisms will first bind to the fluorescent probe 5. Then, as the fluorescent probe 5 moves on the fluorescent reaction layer 2, it further binds to the microorganisms on the fluorescent reaction layer 2. Antibody 4 specifically binds to the fluorescent material and generates a fluorescent signal. The ultraviolet lamp 7 on the fluorescent display box located outside the food packaging continuously emits ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light passes through the transparent area at the installation position of the label body and directly irradiates the fluorescent probe 5 in the fluorescent reaction layer 2. After receiving the ultraviolet light, the fluorescent probe 5 is excited and emits light waves. The filter 8 is used to retain the visible light in the light waves emitted by the fluorescent probe 5 and filter out other light waves. Then, the visible light is photographed and recorded by the imaging device 9. At this time, the growth of microorganisms inside the packaging can be judged by the fluorescence displayed in the captured image, thereby judging the edibility of the food.
[0032] Based on the above description of the working principle of this embodiment, the shooting device 9 in this embodiment can be a mobile phone that people carry with them. When it is necessary to know the edibility of food, the mobile phone is placed at the designated position of the box 6, and then the ultraviolet light 7 is turned on. Of course, a fixed camera can also be used. When it is necessary to know the edibility of food, the ultraviolet light 7 can be turned on directly. The above two installation methods can be reasonably arranged according to different usage scenarios. In addition, it should be understood that in order to ensure that the inside of the box 6 is in a dark and light-proof state to prevent external natural light from interfering with the fluorescence signal, the fluorescence display box is made of opaque material.
[0033] The following describes the specific application scenarios adapted to the microbial detection function in this embodiment. It is understood that the label body and fluorescent display box in the smart food packaging label of this embodiment can be installed as a whole device on the food packaging, or they can be used separately as two separate devices. Therefore, the following application scenarios exist: 1. As an integrated device, it is mainly used for unopened or opened but not yet consumed finished packaged food. For unopened finished packaged food, consumers first need to check the food's shelf life clearly stated on the packaging, and then perform microbial detection using this embodiment. The two are then compared to determine whether there is leakage in the food packaging leading to abnormal microbial levels; for opened but not yet consumed... For pre-packaged food, consumers can judge the microbial growth inside the packaging by observing the fluorescence displayed in this embodiment, and thus determine whether the food is safe to eat again. Alternatively, as two separate devices, primarily used for fresh food, the label can be attached to the inside of the fresh food packaging (such as cling film). When the fresh food needs to be taken out, the label is removed and the fluorescence display box is used to detect and display the microbial growth on the food, thereby determining its edibility. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the label and the fluorescence display box are two separate devices, a sealed base needs to be provided at the bottom of the fluorescence display box, and a mounting groove for installing the label is provided at a corresponding position on the sealed base.
[0034] Example 2
[0035] This embodiment is a further supplement to embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the microbial inhibitor 3 is embedded in the antibacterial layer 1 by nano-microcapsules 10. A plurality of nano-microcapsules 10 are provided and are evenly distributed in the antibacterial layer 1.
[0036] The above-mentioned technique of encapsulating microbial inhibitor 3 in nanocapsules 10 can not only improve the physical properties of the encapsulated microbial inhibitor 3, and enhance its antioxidant and antibacterial capabilities, thermal stability, shelf life, and biological activity, but also has the function of slowly releasing microbial inhibitor 3.
[0037] In this embodiment, the nanocapsules 10 are made of natural polymer materials or easily degradable synthetic polymer materials, making them environmentally friendly. In this embodiment, the nanocapsules 10 are made of a mixed solution of chitosan and whey protein. It should be foreseen that in more embodiments, other polymer materials well known to those skilled in the art can also be used. In this embodiment, the microbial inhibitor 3 is cinnamon essential oil, which has broad-spectrum antibacterial properties and can inhibit common major microorganisms that threaten food or pharmaceutical health.
[0038] The following is a method for preparing the above-mentioned cinnamon essential oil encapsulated in nano-microcapsules 10: Weigh a certain amount of chitosan → dissolve in a water bath at 50℃ for 3 hours → cool to room temperature and adjust the pH value → add an appropriate amount of whey protein to dissolve → add an emulsifier to dissolve for 15 minutes → add 5 times the volume of anhydrous ethanol → add an appropriate amount of cinnamon essential oil → magnetically stir and encapsulate for 30 minutes → homogenize at 13000 r / min for 10 minutes → wash and collect the precipitate → freeze dry.
[0039] Example 3
[0040] This embodiment is a further supplement to embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the fluorescent reaction layer 2 is provided with fluorescent lines for spraying the fluorescent probe 5 and detection lines for spraying microbial specific antibodies 4. There are multiple detection lines, and each detection line is used to spray specific antibodies against different microorganisms.
[0041] In addition, a quality control line is provided on the fluorescent reaction layer 2. The quality control line is used for secondary antibody testing of the sprayed product. The label is tested for microbial detection by the secondary antibody on the quality control line. If the test result shows fluorescence, it means that the label product can achieve the test effect and meets the requirements, which facilitates the quality control of the product.
[0042] In this embodiment, the fluorescent line is located on the far left, and there are two detection lines that can be sprayed with specific antibodies against two different microorganisms. The quality control line is located on the far right. In addition, the fluorescent probe 5, the microbial specific antibody 4, and the secondary antibody are all sprayed using 3D printing technology.
[0043] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A smart food packaging label integrating preservation and microbial detection, characterized in that, It includes a label body affixed inside the packaging and a fluorescent display box installed on the outside of the packaging. The packaging at the location where the label body is installed is transparent, and the fluorescent display box completely covers the transparent area. The label body includes an antibacterial layer (1) and a fluorescent reaction layer (2) composed of composites. The antibacterial layer (1) is disposed on the side of the label body away from the packaging. The antibacterial layer (1) contains a microbial inhibitor (3). The fluorescent reaction layer (2) is coated with a microbial specific antibody (4) and a fluorescent probe (5). The fluorescent display box includes a box body (6), an ultraviolet lamp (7) is installed inside the box body (6), a filter (8) is fixedly installed on the box body (6) directly above the fluorescent reaction layer (2), and an imaging device (9) is placed above the filter (8).
2. The intelligent food packaging label integrating preservation and microbial detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microbial inhibitor (3) is embedded in the antibacterial layer (1) by nano-microcapsules (10), and a plurality of nano-microcapsules (10) are provided, which are evenly distributed in the antibacterial layer (1).
3. The intelligent food packaging label integrating preservation and microbial detection according to claim 2, characterized in that, The nanocapsules (10) are made of natural polymer materials or easily degradable synthetic polymer materials.
4. The intelligent food packaging label integrating preservation and microbial detection according to claim 3, characterized in that, The microbial inhibitor (3) is cinnamon essential oil.
5. The intelligent food packaging label integrating preservation and microbial detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluorescent reaction layer (2) is provided with fluorescent lines for spraying the fluorescent probe (5) and detection lines for spraying microbial specific antibodies (4). There are multiple detection lines, and each detection line is used to spray specific antibodies against different microorganisms.
6. A smart food packaging label integrating preservation and microbial detection according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fluorescent reaction layer (2) is also provided with a quality control line, which is used for secondary antibody testing of the sprayed product.
7. The intelligent food packaging label integrating preservation and microbial detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the imaging device (9) and the fluorescent reaction layer (2) is 8-10 cm.
8. The intelligent food packaging label integrating preservation and microbial detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two ultraviolet lamps (7) are provided, and the two ultraviolet lamps (7) are symmetrically installed at the upper two corners inside the box (6).
9. A smart food packaging label integrating preservation and microbial detection according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Both the antibacterial layer (1) and the fluorescent reaction layer (2) are made of nanocellulose.