Robust, Long‐Term, and Exceptionally Sensitive Microneedle‐Based Bioimpedance Sensor for Precision Farming. Issue 16 (17th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bukhamsin, Abdullah; Moussi, Khalil; Tao, Ran; Lubineau, Gilles; Blilou, Ikram; Salama, Khaled Nabil; Kosel, Jürgen
• Is Part Of: Advanced science. Volume 8:Issue 16(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-06-17
• Subjects: impedance biosensor -- micromolding -- microneedles -- precision farming -- smart farm; Science -- Periodicals; 505
• DOI: 10.1002/advs.202101261
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2198-3844

Abstract

Abstract: Precision farming has the potential to increase global food production capacity whilst minimizing traditional inputs. However, the adoption and impact of precision farming are contingent on the availability of sensors that can discern the state of crops, while not interfering with their growth. Electrical impedance spectroscopy offers an avenue for nondestructive monitoring of crops. To that end, it is reported on the deployment of impedimetric sensors utilizing microneedles (MNs) that can be used to pierce the waxy exterior of plants to obtain sensitive impedance spectra in open‐air settings with an average relative noise value of 3.83%. The sensors are fabricated using a novel micromolding and release method that is compatible with UV photocurable and thermosetting polymers. Assessments of the quality of the MNs under scanning electron microscopy show that the replication process is high in fidelity to the original design of the master mold and that it can be used for upward of 20 replication cycles. The sensor's performance is validated against conventional planar sensors for obtaining the impedance values of Arabidopsis thaliana . As a change is detected in impedance due to lighting and hydration, this raises the possibility for their widespread use in precision farming. Abstract : A microneedle electrode is developed, based on a scalable, versatile, and high‐resolution fabrication process for minimally invasive impedimetric plant biosensors. The metal‐coated polymeric microneedles can pierce the waxy coating layer of the plant tissue to establish direct contact with the extracellular fluid and assess its physiological state via impedance. A demonstration of the sensor's performance is conducted on Arabidopsis thaliana .