Development and characterization of an enzymatic time-temperature indicator (TTI) based on Aspergillus niger lipase

• An enzymatic TTI based on Aspergillus niger lipase was developed.
• The mathematical model for A. niger lipase based TTI was established.
• The Ea of the A. niger lipase based TTI ranged from 31.60 to 42.12 kJ/mol.

Time-temperature indicator (TTI) has been widely applied in the food industry. A lipase type TTI prototype was developed in this study based on the reaction between Aspergillus niger lipase and glycerol tributyrate. Four lipase type TTIs contain substrates with different concentrations, and the discoloration kinetics of the four lipase type TTIs were investigated. The mathematical model for TTI has been simulated, which expressed the relationship of the changes of TTI's color with time and temperature. The activation energies of four lipase type TTIs were 42.12 kJ/mol, 36.84 kJ/mol, 31.60 kJ/mol and 34.42 kJ/mol, respectively. The A. niger lipase based TTI prototype has potential to become an enzymatic TTI product.