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The purpose of this study was to measure sensory, chemical, microbial, freshness and shelf life of packaged Tilapia fillets by vacuum and modified atmosphere methods compared to fillets packaged by aerobic method at refrigeration. Methods: Treatments consisted of Tilapia fillets packaged by vacuum and modified atmosphere methods. The fillets packaged by aerobic method were as control samples. Findings: TVB-N, PV, TBARS, total bacterial count, Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas bacteria, sensory parameters and freshness showed significant differences in experimental and control treatments (P<0.05). The studied factors did not show significant difference in modified atmosphere treatments compared to vacuum treatments (p> 0.05). Coliform, Escherichia coli and anaerobic bacteria were not observed in experimental and control treatments. Sensory evaluation and frshness were better in modified atmosphere treatment compared to vacuum treatment (p> 0.05). Chemical, microbial, sensory factors and freshness had significantly different in the experimental treatments compared to the control sample (p<0.05). The experimental and control treatments had good quality during 14 and 6 days at refrigeration. Conclusion: Considering the absence of significant differences in microbial and chemical quality of experimental treatments and higher sensory evaluation and freshness of modified atmosphere treatment compared to other treatments, modified atmosphere packaging method is recommended for packing Tilapia fish fillet at refrigerator temperature.

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Today, the utilization of smart indicators in food packaging to monitor and detect food quality through analyzing quality data and color changes in packaging films based on the food's condition is on the rise. In this comparative study, halochromic films made of gelatin and k-carrageenan with mirabilis jalapa extract (6, 12, and 24%) and barberry extract (6, 12, and 24%) were developed and examined. Through SEM images and FTIR spectroscopy, it was observed that both types of films incorporating barberry and mirabilis jalapa extracts were uniformly dispersed in the gelatin and k-carrageenan polymer matrix, displaying notable molecular interactions like hydrogen bonding and electrostatic forces. However, films containing mirabilis jalapa extract exhibited more irregular and rough surfaces compared to those with barberry extract. Both types of films displayed good antioxidant properties and responsiveness to changes in pH and ammonia levels. Films with barberry extract demonstrated higher antioxidant activity and greater sensitivity to pH variations. The gelatin and k-carrageenan films with barberry and mirabilis jalapa extracts effectively indicated the freshness of lamb meat stored at 25°C by correlating with the presence of ammonia gases in the storage packages and pH fluctuations. Our results highlight that the structural, physical, and functional attributes of gelatin and k-carrageenan films incorporating pH-responsive extracts are significantly influenced by the extract type and concentration.