Time–temperature indicators (TTIs) are used to monitor the quality of packaged products by providing a visual indication of product deterioration due to time and temperature during transportation, storage, and distribution. This study aimed to investigate the effect of biodegradable polymer films on the limits of the color change mechanism in polydiacetylene. TTIs were prepared using biodegradable polymer films based on carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), chitosan, and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) with thermochromic properties provided by silver nanoparticles–polydiacetylene (10 % w/w AgNP–PDA). Vesicle and core–shell structures of AgNP–PDA appeared in the chitosan- and PVOH-based films owing to the effects of functional groups in the base polymer. Total color difference measurements indicated that the AgNP–PDA-containing films exhibited color changes in response to storage at 35 ℃ for a total of 14 days. Specifically, the AgNP–PDA in the chitosan- and PVOH-based films produced noticeable color changes from blue to reddish-purple or reddish-brown, respectively, which was influenced by the core–shell structure of AgNP–PDA embedded in the base polymer. The developed films are very promising for applications as TTI devices for tracking fresh products, supported by the compatibility of activation energy (Ea) from 29 to 79 kJ/mol.