Key Takeaways
- Researchers developed the world’s first near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent nanosensor for real-time detection of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), crucial for plant growth.
- The new sensor enables non-invasive tracking of auxin levels in various plant tissues without genetic modification, improving precision agriculture.
- Potential applications include early detection of plant stress and optimizing growth conditions in urban and indoor farming.
Innovative Nanosensor for Plant Health Monitoring
A team from the Disruptive & Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision (DiSTAP) at the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), in collaboration with Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory and MIT, has developed a groundbreaking near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent nanosensor. This technology allows for real-time, non-destructive, and species-agnostic detection of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), the primary auxin hormone integral to plant growth and stress response.
Auxins play a critical role in various plant processes, including cell division, elongation, and reaction to environmental stimuli such as light and drought. Traditional IAA detection methods harm the plant, while the new nanosensor offers a non-invasive alternative. Unlike existing techniques that require physical samples, this sensor tracks auxin levels in living plants with high accuracy, even in dense tissues where chlorophyll typically interferes.
The nanosensor leverages NIR imaging to provide precise measurements of auxins without the need for genetic modification, making it an adaptable tool for current agricultural systems. This development is pivotal for farmers, offering timely insights into plant health and enabling them to make informed decisions on irrigation and nutrient management, ultimately enhancing crop resilience and yield.
Prof. Michael Strano, Co-Lead at DiSTAP, emphasized the sensor’s potential in combating food insecurity and climate challenges, highlighting its role in optimizing growth in urban and indoor farms where resources are tightly controlled. The research, published in ACS Nano, showcases the sensor’s ability to respond to various environmental conditions and its successful application across multiple plant species.
Dr. Duc Thinh Khong, a Principal Research Scientist at DiSTAP, noted that this advancement builds on previous work in nanotechnology aimed at developing precise monitoring tools for plant health. The design includes single-walled carbon nanotubes covered with a specialized polymer to detect IAA through changes in fluorescence intensity.
The research team plans to integrate multiple sensing platforms to monitor IAA and related metabolites, offering deeper insights into plant stress responses and enhancing precision agriculture. Future efforts will include exploring microneedle technology for localized sensing and collaborating with partners in the urban farming sector for practical applications of the technology.
Supported by the National Research Foundation under the CREATE programme, this innovative sensor marks a significant step forward in agricultural technology and plant physiology research.
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