Designed to monitor the freshness of seafood in real-time by responding to pH changes, the film offers a practical solution for improving food safety and reducing waste.

This film detects the release of volatile amines, compounds typically associated with spoilage, and indicates food quality through visible color changes, say sources from NIT Rourkela.

These natural components make the film biodegradable, safe, and responsive, aligning with sustainability goals and offering a non-invasive way to assess seafood freshness.

Findings

The findings of this research have been published in the journal Food Packaging and Shelf Life in a paper co-authored by Prof. Preetam Sarkar (as the lead corresponding author), along with his research scholars, Mr. Rahul Thakur, Miss Harshi Singhi, Mr. Vedsagar Rajesh Suryavanshi, and Dr. Ravichandran Santhosh.

Other co-authors in this work include Dr. Khalid Gul from NIT Rourkela, Dr. Swarup Roy from Lovely Professional University, Dr. Srinivas Janaswamy from South Dakota State University, Brookings, USA and Dr. Kirtiraj K. Gaikwad from IIT Roorkee.

Fishing

India is the world’s second-largest fish-producing nation, contributing approximately 8% of global fish production, say NIT Rourkela researchers.

It also holds the distinction of being the top five producer of shrimp globally, with frozen shrimp being the top export commodity.

Given the scale and importance of seafood production, innovations that ensure freshness and reduce spoilage are of immense value, say NIT Rourkela researchers.

In this context, intelligent packaging systems, which preserve food while monitoring its quality, are rapidly gaining global interest.

Unlike conventional packaging that serves merely as a protective barrier, the intelligent packaging film developed by NIT Rourkela team offers visual cues about the product’s condition, making it a promising solution for enhancing food safety and reducing waste.

The beetroot peel extract was prepared separately, and then combined with the starch, gum tragacanth, and a small amount of glycerol to cast the films.

These were dried and tested for their pH-sensitivity and effectiveness in monitoring seafood freshness, said Prof Preetam of NIT Rourkela.

Pigments

Beetroot peels contain betalains, a group of pigments known for their bright colours and pH sensitivity, say NIT Rourkela researchers.

These pigments also offer antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits, making them suitable for food-related applications.

Incorporating these natural compounds into the starch-based film creates a biodegradable, safe, and responsive packaging material.

When the seafood begins to spoil and pH levels rise, the film changes colour, providing a clear visual indicator of freshness.

Starch

The choice of Kodo millet starch and gum tragacanth contributes to the film’s biodegradable and eco-friendly profile.

Kodo millet is an underutilised grain with excellent film-forming properties, while gum tragacanth enhances the mechanical strength and flexibility of the material.

The researchers believe that using such agricultural by-products not only supports sustainability but also adds value to food processing waste, such as beetroot peels.

At the laboratory scale, the cost of producing the film was estimated approximately Rs. 900 per kilogram.

When scaled up for industrial production, the cost is projected to range between Rs. 400 and Rs. 600 per kilogram, making it a potentially viable option for commercial use.

Also Read – NIT Rourkela develops great AI powered model

Those who are yet to apply can submit their applications for the admission process. The last date earlier was 31 March 2024 for taking up CUCET 2025 registration, now that has been extended to 15 April 2025.

The current last date is 30 April 2025, it has been extended once again and is about admission into various undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Chandigarh University.

Students who are yet to take up CUCET 2025 registration can do it by visiting the official website of the exam.

There is second phase for CUCET 2025 application submission, which will commence likely by second or third part of April 2025. Those who are not able to complete CUCET 2025 registration in the first phase can do it in the second phase.

Subjects

Students who wish to study B.E. (Bachelor of Engineering), B.Pharmacy, Pharm D, Master of Pharmacy (Pharmaceutics), Master of Pharmacy (Pharmacology), Master of Pharmacy (Industrial Pharmacy), Master of Pharmacy (Pharmaceutical Chemistry), MBA, Integrated Law programs (B.A+LLB, BBA+LLB, BCom+LLB), and Masters in Law (LLM) have to submit CUCET 2024 Application.

What is CUCET 2025?

The full name of the test is Chandigarh University Common Entrance Test and is conducted by Chandigarh University in online mode.

Questions in the test depends on the subject in which the applicant desires to study in the institution.

Students who have passed CUCET 2025 with good scores can move to the next phase of the admission process which may involve interviews or counselling and document verification.

Students seeking admission in graduate courses or postgraduate programs can take up CUCET 2025 registration.

Those aiming for undergraduate programs have to pass plus-two with 50% pass marks in the exam.

Candidates who have passed graduation in the relevant discipline with 50% pass marks at the minimum can apply for postgraduate courses.

CUCET 2025 Registration Process?

The process for CUCET 2025 registration can be done online can be done on the official website of Chandigarh University. The official website of the university can be reached at ‘https://cucet.cuchd.in/’

1. The URL mentioned above has to be typed into the browser and then submitted to allow the website to download.

2. Post-download of the website, candidates have to enter their name, course of their choice, date of birth, and email id and register to create an account with username and password.

3. After the above details are entered, applicants can seek OTP, once the OTP is received, candidates can enter it and complete the registration.

4. After registration, candidates can login and start CUCET 2025 registration (filling the CUCET application).

5. The form has to be filled and registration fee has to be paid and submitted.

CUCET 2025 Registration Link is Here

Offline

Candidates can check with the institution about the possibility of taking up CUCET 2025 registration offline.

If the possibility exists, they can visit the institution or its authorized centers in person to obtain CUCET 2025 Application.

The applications can be filled and sent to the institution through post or courier or delivered in person. There is more to it than meets the eye.

The students have to wait for the communication about the written test.

Passing the exam with required cutoff marks gets the eligibility to take part in the next phase of admission.

The phase after the test comprises counselling, interview, document verification.

Selection will be based on performance in the qualifying exam, performance in the written test, availability of seats, candidate’s choice of the course.

Admission process may vary for each course, admission into few courses may require the students to take part in counselling after the written test.

For, certain other academic programs, applicants may require to take part in group discussion, interview after passing the written test.

Applicants have to familiarize themselves with the admission process before starting CUCET 2025 registration.

Counselling may also be conducted in more than one round, candidates who do not get a seat of their choice in the initial rounds, can make an attempt in the subsequent rounds of counselling.

Those who get selected can convey their acceptance and pay the fees and join the institution for the classes.

Also Read – TG EAPCET 2025 Application Submission On Till 4 April 2025, Information Provided Here