Methods and Compositions for Preparing Consumables with Optical Shifting Properties

Abstract

Ingestible compositions comprising a chromic change agent together with methods of making and using them are provided. The chromic change agent alternatively may be associated with the ingestible, such as a packaging material for the ingestible. In response to a triggering event, physical or chemical, the chromic change agent changes color to provide information as to the history of the ingestible, either prior or contemporaneous with use. Depending on the use, the color change agent may be reversible or irreversible. Various solid or liquid ingestible compositions are provided for determining ingestible temperature, storage temperature, user temperature, light exposure, pH change, hydration or solvation change, mechanical stress, and the like, particularly in comestibles. Of particular interest are polydiacetylene polymers that may be formulated to provide compositions having numerous different color transition triggering mechanisms. The invention is also related to other chromic change agents that may be incorporated into ingestibles.

1 - 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . A method for detecting whether an ingestible has been exposed to an absolute temperature level, said method comprising:
 associating with said ingestible a diacetylenic compound that undergoes an irreversible color change when subjected to a change in temperature, wherein a color change associated with said ingestible is indicative that said ingestible has been exposed to said absolute temperature level.   
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein said diacetylenic compound is attached to a container or packaging material for ingestibles. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein said color change indicates said ingestible has been spoiled. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein said color change indicates said ingestible is cooked. 
     
     
         12 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method for manufacturing an ingestible comprising a diacetylenic compound, said method comprising applying said diacetylenic compound in a composition of up to 75% weight % of a diacetylenic compound. 
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 21 , whereby said composition is up to about 60% weight % of a diacetylenic compound. 
     
     
         23 . The method according to  claim 21 , whereby said composition of up to about 20% weight % of a diacetylenic compound. 
     
     
         24 . The method according to  claim 21 , wherein said diacetylenic compound is a lipid mono- or dicarboxylic non-oxo carbonyl monomer, or derivative thereof. 
     
     
         25 - 28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . An ingestible comprising a chromic change agent that undergoes a color change one or more times in response to at least one physical or chemical triggering mechanism.