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Volume 12
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10.3390/photonics12030231
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Article

The Use of Biomass-Derived Chitosan for Colorimetric pH Detection

by
Ezekiel Edward Nettey-Oppong
1,†,
Riaz Muhammad
1,†,
Dohyun Yoo
1,†,
Sun-Hyeop Hwang
1,†,
Ahmed Ali
1,2,*,
Chacha Saidi Mwita
1,
Hyun-Woo Jeong
3,
Seong-Wan Kim
4,
Young-Seek Seok
5,* and
Seung Ho Choi
1,6,*
1
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
2
Department of Electrical Engineering, Sukkur IBA University, Sukkur 65200, Pakistan
3
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eulji University, Seongnam 13135, Republic of Korea
4
Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
5
Gangwon-do Agricultural Product Registered Seed Station, Chuncheon 24410, Republic of Korea
6
Department of Integrative Medicine, Major in Digital Healthcare, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Photonics 2025, 12(3), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12030231
Submission received: 8 January 2025 / Revised: 17 February 2025 / Accepted: 18 February 2025 / Published: 4 March 2025
(This article belongs to the Section Lasers, Light Sources and Sensors)
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Abstract

This study developed a sustainable colorimetric pH sensor using chitosan derived from mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) biomass and anthocyanin extracted from red cabbage (Brassica oleracea). Chitosan was used as the substrate material, and anthocyanin served as the pH indicator dye, collectively forming the basis of the pH sensor. The resulting pH-responsive film effectively measures pH levels from 1 to 13, with a distinct color shift from pink to green. The sensor demonstrated remarkable stability, maintaining color fidelity after prolonged exposure to aqueous environments, and its practical functionality was confirmed through an ammonia detection assay, underscoring its utility in monitoring food freshness. Mechanistic investigations using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and molecular modeling identified electrostatic and hydrophobic forces as key factors in anthocyanin binding to the chitosan matrix. Molecular modeling further revealed a minimal binding energy of −3 kcal/mol and an RMSD of 0 Å, indicating a strong interaction stability. The film exhibited high structural integrity, with tensile strength and elongation values of 8.8 MPa and 8.4%, respectively, and its flexibility suggests its suitability for diverse applications, including biomedical devices. The eco-friendly production process and the biocompatibility of this sensor provide a sustainable alternative to conventional pH measurement technologies. This innovation not only addresses ecological challenges but also expands the capabilities of colorimetric sensors for use in scientific research, biomedical applications, and other fields.
Keywords: colorimetric pH sensor; anthocyanin; chitosan; biomass; molecular modeling colorimetric pH sensor; anthocyanin; chitosan; biomass; molecular modeling

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MDPI and ACS Style

Nettey-Oppong, E.E.; Muhammad, R.; Yoo, D.; Hwang, S.-H.; Ali, A.; Mwita, C.S.; Jeong, H.-W.; Kim, S.-W.; Seok, Y.-S.; Choi, S.H. The Use of Biomass-Derived Chitosan for Colorimetric pH Detection. Photonics 2025, 12, 231. https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12030231

AMA Style

Nettey-Oppong EE, Muhammad R, Yoo D, Hwang S-H, Ali A, Mwita CS, Jeong H-W, Kim S-W, Seok Y-S, Choi SH. The Use of Biomass-Derived Chitosan for Colorimetric pH Detection. Photonics. 2025; 12(3):231. https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12030231

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nettey-Oppong, Ezekiel Edward, Riaz Muhammad, Dohyun Yoo, Sun-Hyeop Hwang, Ahmed Ali, Chacha Saidi Mwita, Hyun-Woo Jeong, Seong-Wan Kim, Young-Seek Seok, and Seung Ho Choi. 2025. "The Use of Biomass-Derived Chitosan for Colorimetric pH Detection" Photonics 12, no. 3: 231. https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12030231

APA Style

Nettey-Oppong, E. E., Muhammad, R., Yoo, D., Hwang, S.-H., Ali, A., Mwita, C. S., Jeong, H.-W., Kim, S.-W., Seok, Y.-S., & Choi, S. H. (2025). The Use of Biomass-Derived Chitosan for Colorimetric pH Detection. Photonics, 12(3), 231. https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12030231

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