Publication
Title
A 3D-printed hollow microneedle-based electrochemical sensing device for in situ plant health monitoring
Author
Abstract
Plant health monitoring is devised as a new concept to elucidate in situ physiological processes. The need for increased food production to nourish the growing global population is inconsistent with the dramatic impact of climate change, which hinders crop health and exacerbates plant stress. In this context, wearable sensors play a crucial role in assessing plant stress. Herein, we present a low-cost 3D-printed hollow microneedle array (HMA) patch as a sampling device coupled with biosensors based on screen-printing technology, leading to affordable analysis of biomarkers in the plant fluid of a leaf. First, a refinement of the 3D-printing method showed a tip diameter of 25.9 ± 3.7 μm with a side hole diameter on the microneedle of 228.2 ± 18.6 μm using an affordable 3D printer (<500 EUR). Notably, the HMA patch withstanded the forces exerted by thumb pressing (i.e. 20-40 N). Subsequently, the holes of the HMA enabled the fluid extraction tested in vitro and in vivo in plant leaves (i.e. 13.5 ± 1.1 μL). A paper-based sampling strategy adapted to the HMA allowed the collection of plant fluid. Finally, integrating the sampling device onto biosensors facilitated the in situ electrochemical analysis of plant health biomarkers (i.e. H2O2, glucose, and pH) and the electrochemical profiling of plants in five plant species. Overall, this electrochemical platform advances precise and versatile sensors for plant health monitoring. The wearable device can potentially improve precision farming practices, addressing the critical need for sustainable and resilient agriculture in changing environmental conditions.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Biosensors and bioelectronics. - Barking, 1990, currens
Publication
Barking : 2024
ISSN
0956-5663
DOI
10.1016/J.BIOS.2024.116131
Volume/pages
251 (2024) , p. 1-9
Article Reference
116131
ISI
001198047000001
Pubmed ID
38367566
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Microsen - Elucidating anti-biofouling on nanoporous gold surfaces: toward microneedle devices for continuous drug sensing.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 19.02.2024
Last edited 14.09.2024
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