Semi-quantitative evaluation of seafood spoilage using filter-paper strips loaded with an aggregation-induced emission luminogen.

• Salmon spoilage was monitored by H + DQ2-loaded filter paper to detect amine vapours. • The relationship between PL intensity of H + DQ2 and salmon spoilage was established. • The detection conditions of H + DQ2-loaded filter papers for spoilage were optimized. • The AIE method for spoilage has the advantage of simplicity, rapidity and low cost. The method for seafood spoilage detection is far from satisfactory for ensuring food safety and security. Here, we develop a simple and cost-effective method using the filter papers loaded with a dihydroquinoxaline derivative (H + DQ2) to monitor salmon spoilage. The correlation between the content of solid biogenic amines and the photoluminescence intensity (PL) of H + DQ2 induced by amine vapours showed that the PL intensities of H + DQ2 increased with the increase of spoilage, which indicates that it is feasible to evaluate the spoilage degree of salmon based on the PL intensity of H + DQ2-loaded filter papers by semi-quantitation. The optimum detection condition is 75, 50 and 50 g of salmon, 75, 25 and 10 µM H + DQ2 at 0, 4 and 25 °C, respectively. This study provides a quick and simple way for testing amine vapour from fish and provides baseline information for developing an easy-to-use on-site method to evaluate seafood quality for customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]