Intelligent films based on pectin, sodium alginate, cellulose nanocrystals, and anthocyanins for monitoring food freshness.

To address consumer-level food waste, and pollution from commercial plastics, we developed intelligent films using sodium alginate (SA), pectin (PC), cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), and anthocyanins extracted from red cabbage (RCA). We also investigated two methods of reinforcing these films - cross-linking (CL), and the addition of CNCs. Both together and separately, these methods improved SA/PC films' mechanical properties and thermal stability.