Design of paper strips using polyaniline-pectin particles for milk quality analysis

Abstract

Polyaniline (PANI), a widely studied conductive polymer, exhibits unique properties such as high environmental stability, ease of synthesis, and tunable electrical conductivity. This study focuses on microbial quality analysis of milk using synthesized polyaniline-pectin particles through oxidative polymerization in the presence of pectin as a stabilizer. Characterization techniques, including SEM, FE-SEM, TEM, EDS, FTIR, XRD, UV-vis spectroscopy, particle size, zeta potential, and electrical conductivity analysis, revealed that polyaniline-pectin particles exhibit fibrous, porous structures with partially crystalline features and significant pH-responsive electrochromic properties. Using polyaniline-pectin particles, the resulting paper strip is capable of detecting microbial levels in milk ranging from 4 to 8 log CFU/mL, with results available in just 20 minutes. This innovative paper strip provides a fast, affordable, and dependable way to assess the microbial quality of milk, offering a useful tool for enhancing the safety and quality of dairy products.