A groundbreaking discovery in plant health monitoring has been made by researchers from the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART). They have developed a sensor technology that can detect pH changes in plant tissues, enabling real-time monitoring of plant health.
Breakthrough in Plant Health Monitoring: Researchers Develop Sensor Technology to Detect pH Changes in Plant Tissues
Researchers from the Singapore–MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) have made a groundbreaking discovery in plant health monitoring. They have developed a sensor technology that can detect pH changes in plant tissues, enabling real-time monitoring of plant health.
How it Works
The researchers designed and synthesized four covalent organic framework (COF) compounds that showcase tunable acid chromism – color changes associated with changing pH levels. These COFs were then coated onto SF microneedles, which are transparent and minimally invasive. When used in plants, the COF compounds transition from dark red to red as the pH increases in the xylem tissues, indicating drought stress.
Advantages of the Technology
This technology offers several advantages over traditional methods:
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Real-time monitoring: The sensor can detect pH changes in real-time, allowing farmers to take early action to prevent yield loss.
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Minimally invasive: The SF microneedles are transparent and do not damage plant tissues, making it a more efficient method for monitoring plant health.
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Cost-effective: The technology is cost-effective and can be used on a large scale.
Future Developments
The researchers plan to advance this technology beyond pH detection, focusing on sensing a broad spectrum of biologically relevant analytes such as plant hormones and metabolites. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize agriculture and make farming more resilient to climate change.
Supporting Organization
This research is conducted by SMART and supported by the National Research Foundation of Singapore under its Campus for Research Excellence And Technological Enterprise program.
Related Links
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Disruptive and Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision (DiSTAP)
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Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)
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Department of Chemical Engineering
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Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
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School of Engineering
