Sensing biodegradable material stability: a key factor for reliable environmental monitoring solutions

This study investigates the enhancement of sensing materials (SMs) using açaí anthocyanins, with a primary focus on improving their stability for environmental monitoring. Açaí fruit extracts from Pará, Brazil, were analyzed, with the acid Cametá extract showing the highest anthocyanin concentration. The anthocyanin-rich materials were evaluated for their stability, solubility, and swelling properties. In particular, the materials demonstrated resistance to environmental factors such as water absorption and pH fluctuations. The research found that the açaí anthocyanins themselves contribute to the stability of the sensing materials, making them highly suitable for environmental and food safety applications. While plasticizers such as glycerol (GLY) and triethyl citrate (TEC) were used to assess further adjustments in solubility and flexibility, the stability improvements were attributed to the anthocyanins' chemical structure. UV–vis spectroscopy was employed to analyze the color response of the anthocyanin-based materials to basic pH and ammonia exposure. The results showed minimal changes in the anthocyanin-stabilized materials under basic conditions, confirming their durability in challenging environments. These findings highlight the potential of açaí anthocyanins to develop stable and responsive sensing materials that perform across various applications, with plasticizers playing a secondary role in modulating physical properties.

Graphical abstract