Research advances in the application of intelligent responsive hydrogels for controlled release and quality monitoring in foods

Authors

YIN Hongli, College of Food Engineering, Harbin University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China; College of Food Engineering, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, ChinaFollow
QU Yanfeng, College of Food Engineering, Harbin University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China; Highly-skilled Talents (Model Worker ) Innovation Studio of QU Yanfeng, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
YANG Jiaxing, College of Food Engineering, Harbin University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
YAO Jianuo, College of Food Engineering, Harbin University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
LI Weize, College of Food Engineering, Harbin University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
LIU Shiying, College of Food Engineering, Harbin University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China

Corresponding Author(s)

尹红力（1990—），女，哈尔滨学院讲师，博士。E-mail：623940607@qq.com

Abstract

With the continuously increasing demand for intelligent and precise technologies in the food industry, intelligent responsive hydrogels, as an emerging class of functional materials, have demonstrated great application potential in controlled release and quality monitoring of food products. This article reviews recent research progress in intelligent responsive hydrogels in terms of base material selection and crosslinking methods, types of stimulus responsiveness, and underlying mechanisms. It elaborates on the design and application of intelligent hydrogels in controlled-release systems for food bioactive substances, covering antibacterial packaging, nutrient fortification, and flavor-controlled release. Additionally, the application of intelligent responsive hydrogels in food quality monitoring is summarized, including their use in food safety detection and food freshness monitoring, and future development trends of intelligent responsive hydrogels are prospected.

Publication Date

1-23-2026

First Page

213

Last Page

220

DOI

10.13652/j.spjx.1003.5788.2025.60165

Recommended Citation

Hongli, YIN; Yanfeng, QU; Jiaxing, YANG; Jianuo, YAO; Weize, LI; and Shiying, LIU (2026) "Research advances in the application of intelligent responsive hydrogels for controlled release and quality monitoring in foods," Food and Machinery: Vol. 42: Iss. 1, Article 27.
DOI: 10.13652/j.spjx.1003.5788.2025.60165
Available at: https://www.ifoodmm.cn/journal/vol42/iss1/27

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