TIME-TEMPERATURE INDICATOR SYSTEM I

摘要

The present invention relates to a time-temperature indicator system useful for monitoring the time and temperature exposure of foods, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals and other products. The system provides improved time-temperature sensitivity, time-temperature sensitivity control and a response which better reflects that of the reactions leading to quality loss of the monitored product. Further, the invention also relates to a combination comprising a time-temperature indicator system and a product storage container or a bag closure device. A method for producing said time-temperature indicator system is also part of the present invention.

主权项

1. Time-temperature indicator system, comprising at least one reactive agent and at least one mobile agent; said reactive agent(s) being contained in a first compartment adjacent to a separate second compartment containing the mobile agent(s); said first and second compartments initially being separated by suitable means for preventing contact between the mobile agent(s) and the reactive agent(s); the system being activated by bringing said two compartments into contact and thereby allow for the mobile agent(s) to migrate through a matrix contained in the first compartment; said matrix contained in the first compartment comprising a mixture of at least a first and a second matrix component; said first matrix component being a gel-forming polymer having a melting point below 90° C.; and said second matrix component being either i) a reversible gel-forming polymer having a melting point that is at least 5° C. higher than the melting point of said first matrix component or ii) an irreversible gel-forming polymer; wherein at least one of said reactive agent(s) is contained within the matrix contained in the first compartment and/or at least one of said matrix components contained in the first compartment is at least one of the reactive agent(s).