83B-3


Development of an ethanol biosensor for ready-to-eat food products

S. CHEN1, F. S.-J. WU2, and J. B.-C. Huang2. (1) Department of Food Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taiepi, 24205, Taiwan, (2) Food Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, EP 308, Department of Food Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei, 242, Taiwan

Minimal processed produce or contaminated bakery products at low oxygen environment produce objectionable fermentative volatiles, such as ethanol. Use of a biosensor coupled in a package is beneficial for a non-destructive measurement of the deterioration. The objectives of this study were to construct a biosensor to detect ethanol content in a package, then the biosensor label was applied in food packages. The ethanol biosensor was fabricated by impregnating alcohol oxidase, peroxidase and coloring agent on TLC and/or methyl cellulose films. L, a, b values were determined using a colorimeter, and the total color difference (DE) was calculated corresponding to ethanol vapor level. Also, brownness, olfactory properties and cell count were used to determine the quality of food products, and the correlation with ethanol vapor was analyzed. Color change of the reaction was turning from blue to purple, then burgundy, and the responding time of the ethanol biosensor was calculated 30min for visible difference. The optimal reaction was found at RH% greater than 80%. The total color difference corresponding to ethanol vapor level was determined as DE=8.37x + 85.35 (R2=0.92) at 4oC, and DE=1.59x + 118.30 (R2=0.96) at 25oC, where x indicates the ethanol vapor level in headspace ranging from 0.01 °V 0.10%. A standard color label corresponding to specific ethanol vapor level (0.01% - 0.1%) was fabricated for the use in food packages. The ethanol vapor levels in packages were with respect to the growth of yeast in cheese cake, and to the extent of brownness in lettuce stored in low-oxygen atmosphere. The sensitivity of the ethanol biosensor was related to ethanol vapor in headspace, storage temperature and exposure length. This ethanol biosensor label functions to rapidly and quantitatively detect ethanol vapor in food packages.

Session 83B, Food Packaging: Applications of edible coatings, antimicrobial films, and sensors in food packaging
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Thursday AM Room Hall N-1

2004 IFT Annual Meeting, July 12-16 - Las Vegas, NV