Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41745041›Full record

ReviewGels (Basel, Switzerland)2026

Natural pH-Sensitive Intelligent Edible Gel-Based Packaging: From Structural Design to Fruit Freshness Monitoring.

Tong Zhao, Lulu Wang, Xinyue Wang, Meng Zhang, Xin Zhang, Chen Li, Qian Zhang, Yan Zhao, Lixia Wang

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Gels (Basel, Switzerland), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Tong ZhaoDepartment of Research and Development, Shaanxi Yatai Dairy Co., Ltd., Xianyang 713701, China.
Lulu WangCollege of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
Xinyue WangCollege of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
Meng ZhangDepartment of Research and Development, Shaanxi Yatai Dairy Co., Ltd., Xianyang 713701, China.
Xin ZhangDepartment of Research and Development, Shaanxi Yatai Dairy Co., Ltd., Xianyang 713701, China.
Chen LiDepartment of Research and Development, Shaanxi Yatai Dairy Co., Ltd., Xianyang 713701, China.
Qian ZhangDepartment of Research and Development, Shaanxi Yatai Dairy Co., Ltd., Xianyang 713701, China.
Yan ZhaoCollege of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
Lixia WangCollege of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Shaanxi Xueqian Normal University, Xi'an 710100, China.

Funding

the Building Program for Innovation Research Team of Shaanxi Xueqian Normal University XJKYCXTD02the Sci-Tec Program of Shaanxi Province, China 2024NC-YBXM-136the Sci-Tec Program of Xi'an, China 23NYGG0061the Xianyang City Major Science and Technology Innovation Special Project L2025-ZDKJ-ZDGG-SP-001
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

The escalating demand for global fruit logistics underscores the urgency of packaging innovations to reconcile preservation efficiency with environmental sustainability, particularly addressing microplastic pollution from conventional plastics and safety hazards posed by synthetic pH-sensitive pigments. Natural pH-sensitive intelligent edible gel-based packaging, which integrates non-toxic indicators into biopolymer gel matrices, offers a viable solution by visually tracking freshness through colorimetric responses to pH fluctuations during storage and transportation. This review systematically synthesizes recent progress in material design, including the development of edible films and coatings, and evaluates the functional mechanisms of natural pH indicators within these systems. Applications across diverse fruit categories demonstrate their efficacy in delaying ripening, inhibiting microbial growth, and signaling quality degradation via dynamic color shifts. Despite enabling real-time, visual freshness monitoring, challenges in mechanical robustness, water resistance, and scalable manufacturing remain. Future advancements should prioritize the integration of multifunctional systems, such as gas conditioning technologies and bioactive components, to enhance practical performance and align with sustainable food preservation objectives, ultimately reducing food waste and elevating consumer safety standards.

Indexed as

fruit freshness monitoringintelligent edible gel-based packagingnatural pH-sensitive indicatorssustainable food packaging

Identifiers

PMID41745041
PMCPMC12940641

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.