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.

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Offered by the Mehta Family School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, this online program is designed to equip students with cutting-edge skills in AI and data science, providing industry-aligned learning, global exposure, and flexible exit options.

For more information and application submission, applicants can visit office website: www.iitg.ac.in/oes/odp/

About the program

Prof. Hemant B. Kaushik, Dean, Online Education and Skilling, IIT Guwahati, spoke about the program.

The application portal for the 2025 batch of our Online BSc (Hons) in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence is now open, said Prof Hemant of IIT Guwahati.

This program is a gateway to the future, designed to equip students with the most in-demand skills in the rapidly evolving fields of Data Science and AI.

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‘Our flexible, interactive, and industry-aligned curriculum ensures that students not only gain strong theoretical foundations but also hands-on experience with real-world applications.’

Whether you are a recent high school graduate or a professional looking to upskill, this program offers an opportunity to learn from renowned IIT faculty and industry experts without geographical constraints, said Prof Hemant of IIT Guwahati.

This is more than just a degree; it is an investment in your future! The program is designed to be highly affordable, with a very low fee structure, ensuring quality education from IIT Guwahati is accessible to all aspiring students, he said.

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Why choose IIT Guwahati’s B.Sc. (Hons.) in DS & AI?

The B.Sc. (Hons.) in DS & AI at IIT Guwahati follows a trimester system with three terms per year, offering:

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Ø Engaging Course Structure: Each 12-week course features interactive video lectures, real-world case studies, and live sessions by IIT Guwahati faculty and industry experts.

Ø Global Student Community: Over 1,700 students from 21 countries, including the USA, Canada, China, UAE, Singapore, UK, Bangladesh, and Japan, are already enrolled.

Ø Recorded Lectures & Live Sessions: Attend recorded online classes by IIT Guwahati faculty and industry experts for flexible learning, with live doubt clearing sessions.

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Ø Supercomputer Access: Leverage PARAM Kamrupa & PARAM Ishan, India’s most powerful supercomputers, for computational tasks during the capstone projects.

Ø Optional IIT Guwahati Campus Visit: A 4-week on-campus immersion (spread over four slots) for in-person training and networking.

Ø Annual IITG AI Confluence: Attend the annual AI confluence at IITG campus, a celebratory and collaborative event designed exclusively for IITG students, showcasing diverse academic and professional activities in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

In addition to this, the program allows students to exit at different stages with recognised certifications. These include:

· After 1st year – Advanced Certificate in DS & AI

· After 2nd year – Diploma in DS & AI

· After 3rd year – B.Sc. Degree in DS & AI

· After 4th year – B.Sc. (Honours) Degree in DS & AI

Students who exit at Certificate, Diploma, or B.Sc. degree stage can rejoin after a one-year gap to continue their education.

The program is designed for a diverse range of learners, including high school graduates from both science and non-science backgrounds who wish to pursue a dual degree or earn a second degree from a premier institute.

It is also ideal for working professionals and entrepreneurs seeking to upskill in AI and Data Science, as well as individuals looking to transition into new careers or expand their expertise in high-demand fields.

Ø Mathematics as a compulsory subject in Class 12 or equivalent

Ø Direct admission for candidates who were eligible for JEE (Advanced) in any year

Ø Other candidates must pass an online qualifier test (a preparatory online course is available to help students prepare)

Industry standards

With a curriculum designed to meet industry standards, students gain hands-on experience through real-world projects, ensuring they are well-prepared for the rapidly evolving job market in AI and data science.

Graduates of this program can pursue roles such as Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Researcher, Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Big Data Engineer, and AI Consultant, among others, say sources from IIT Guwahati.

Upon completing the B.Sc. (Hons) degree in DS&AI, students will be eligible to appear for GATE and other competitive exams, enabling them to pursue higher education or advance into professional roles, say sources from IIT Guwahati.

As part of this initiative, a career readiness program has been designed, featuring curated courses, interactive workshops with industry veterans, and exclusive networking opportunities.

This program equips students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to accelerate their careers in today’s competitive job market.

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