Early Spoilage Detection of Cultured Pacific White Shrimp Using Quartz Crystal Microbalance Gas Sensors

Abstract

In this study, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) gas sensors, coated with electrospun polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) nanofibers, were employed to monitor the spoilage level of cultured Pacific white shrimp. The sensors exhibited a sensitivity range of 0.63 to 1.61 Hz/ppm when detecting trimethylamine vapor, a key biomarker for shrimp spoilage. Significant resonance frequency shifts were observed in the as‐prepared sensors when exposed to amine gases released by long‐stored shrimps. These shifts underline the significance of low‐temperature storage for shrimps. While color changes in the shrimps stored at ambient temperature (25 °C) become noticeable to the naked eye after 6 hours, the sensor detects sample deterioration much earlier, registering a prominent frequency shift (178 Hz) within only 3 hours of storage. This outcome suggests the potential of nanofiber‐coated QCM sensors as early‐stage food freshness indicators.

Tuning a Superhydrophobic Surface on an Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile Nanofiber Membrane by Polysulfone Blending

“…Nanofibers have been widely used in several applications that positively affect human life (e.g., in wound dressing, , energy storage, , humidity and gas sensors, − drug delivery, water filtration, and air filtration , ). In the case of nanofibers used for air filtration, they demonstrate superior properties, such as high mechanical strength, good air permeability, ease of modifying properties, and high filtration efficiency. , The air filtration efficiency level of nanofiber-based membranes depends on several factors.…”