Research Progress on Application of Intelligent Packaging in Food Quality Monitoring

HU Zicong; HU Chun; ZHOU Chenguang

doi:10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2025.11.014

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Packaging Engineering ›› 2025, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (11) : 128-139. DOI: 10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2025.11.014

Agro-products Preservation and Food Packaging

Research Progress on Application of Intelligent Packaging in Food Quality Monitoring

HU Zicong, HU Chun, ZHOU Chenguang

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Abstract

The work aims to explore the application status of intelligent packaging technology in food quality monitoring, systematically analyze the working principles and functional characteristics of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, indicator-type, and sensor-type intelligent packaging, and propose future research directions addressing technical limitations. RFID tags enable real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, pH, and gas composition in food packaging and significantly enhanced supply chain traceability when integrated with blockchain. Indicator-type packaging visually reflected gas concentration changes (e.g., oxygen, carbon dioxide, volatile nitrogen compounds) through color variations, with gas indicators, freshness indicators, and time-temperature indicators (TTI) targeting distinct spoilage mechanisms. Sensor-type packaging utilized pH-sensitive natural pigments (e.g., curcumin, anthocyanins) or chemiresistive/ potentiometric gas sensors for non-destructive freshness monitoring. Biosensors further ensured food safety by detecting microbial contamination and pesticide residues. Intelligent packaging technology demonstrates significant potential in food quality monitoring, but the related research in China remains nascent. Future efforts should focus on developing high-precision, low-cost sensors, promoting interdisciplinary integration with IoT and AI, and advancing eco-friendly materials for sustainability. Through technological innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration, intelligent packaging is expected to establish a smart, information-driven food quality monitoring system, reducing waste and safeguarding consumer health.

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intelligent packaging / storage, transportation and preservation / freshness monitoring / packaging technology

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HU Zicong, HU Chun, ZHOU Chenguang. Research Progress on Application of Intelligent Packaging in Food Quality Monitoring[J]. Packaging Engineering. 2025, 46(11): 128-139 https://doi.org/10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2025.11.014

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