Mariana Cunha
Papers
1
Total Citations
5
H-Index
1
About
Mariana Cunha is a materials scientist whose pioneering research lies at the intersection of bio-based polymers, smart packaging, and stimuli-responsive materials. Her most-cited work introduces an innovative approach to food smart packaging through the development of acidochromic free-standing multilayered membranes. By rationally designing an azide-containing pyranoflavylium-based pH-sensitive dye and conjugating it to chitosan via click chemistry, she created chitosan-pyranoflavylium/alginate membranes that visually signal food spoilage through color changes. This contribution addresses critical consumer concerns about food conservation and safety, offering a sustainable, biodegradable alternative to conventional packaging sensors. With her 2024 paper already garnering 5 citations, Cunha’s work demonstrates immediate impact in the rapidly growing field of intelligent packaging. Her research uniquely combines synthetic organic chemistry, polysaccharide engineering, and applied materials science to create functional membranes that respond to environmental pH shifts. By bridging fundamental dye chemistry with practical food technology applications, Mariana Cunha is establishing herself as an emerging leader in the development of next-generation, environmentally friendly smart packaging solutions that enhance food quality monitoring and reduce waste.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1