Natural ink production and printability studies for smart food packaging

Abstract

Versatile smart packages provide information on the freshness of the content and help protect the content from microorganisms. In this sense, in this study both natural antimicrobial properties and pH sensitive natural dyes were obtained from red beet. Inks were prepared and printed using this dye and their suitability for smart packaging was investigated. For this purpose, red beet was cut into small sizes and mixed separately in ethanol and water (1:2) at 200 rpm. The betaine dye was taken up in solvent. These solvents were removed with evaporator and precipitated with centrifugation and dried in a vacuum oven. The chemical structure of the obtained dye was illuminated by Attenuated Total Reflection‐Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR). The color character was determined by UV spectroscopy. Pink colored natural ink was produced by using ink varnish with carboxymethyl cellulose polymer and solid dye. Screen printing was made with this ink and the color, gloss, and lightfastness characters of prints were examined. Antimicrobial effects of the obtained prints were measured against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Mordanting studies were performed with (KAl[SO4]2.12H2O) and change in color character was measured. The prints produced using the red beet extract have a yellow‐orange color in the basic state; in acid cases it was determined to have a pink‐purple color. In addition, it has been found that the ink prints obtained from red beet have antimicrobial properties against bacteria. Results prove that produced samples have good antimicrobial, pH indicator, and printability properties. This colorant can be used in smart food packaging.

An ecological approach to printing industry: Development of ecofriendly offset printing inks using vegetable oils and pine resin as renewable raw materials and evaluation of printability

“…In printing industry novel studies for development of new ink formulations containing renewable raw sources are a rising area of research. The use of renewable raw materials is critical in terms of sustainable living, environmental consciousness, human health and the ecosystem 1,16,17 …”

Edible ink for food printing and packaging applications: a review

“…Alum, potassium dichromate, ferrous sulfate, chrome, copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, iron, tannin, and tannic acid are some of the critical natural color enhancers used. [29][30][31] Ozcan et al (2020) used potassium alum as a mordant while preparing edible ink. The ink with the mordant adhered better to the paper surface, which appeared more crimson and darker in color, and was resistant to acid treatment.…”

Sustainable and Bio-Based Food Packaging: A Review on Past and Current Design Innovations

“…Because of their low molecular weights, coloring agents, photo-initiators, solvents, and oils may migrate from printing inks, favoring natural dyes over synthetic dyes. Studies to obtain natural dyes from beet, red beet, potato, red onion, quince, black carrot, and hibiscus to use them in areas where contact with the human body is frequent, such as textile, tissue engineering, and food packaging, are being carried out [339]. In addition, it is known that these plant extracts used as inks present antimicrobial activity, and for this reason, they are preferred for active and intelligent packaging development.…”