In-soil bioelectrochemical sensing system for real-time microbial activity monitoring
A novel in-soil bioelectrochemical sensing system utilizing microbial fuel cell principles to monitor real-time microbial metabolic activity. It provides interpretable data on biological activity, treatment response, and persistence trends, scalable for diverse field conditions.
Overview
The in-soil bioelectrochemical sensing system is an innovative solution designed to monitor microbial metabolic activity in real time. Inspired by microbial fuel cell (MFC) principles, this system uses embedded electrodes to capture electron transfer associated with microbial respiration and redox processes. By focusing on metabolic functions rather than indirect proxies, it provides more accurate and robust indicators of biological activity. The system is compact, low-power, and optimized for scalable deployment with minimal maintenance across diverse field conditions. Data collected by the sensors is transmitted wirelessly to a cloud platform where advanced algorithms transform raw electrochemical signals into actionable insights, such as biological activity indices, treatment responses, and persistence trends.
Technical specifications
- Embedded Electrodes: Capture electron transfer related to microbial respiration and redox processes.
- Automated Measurements: Continuous monitoring with minimal maintenance required.
- Environmental Integration: Measures moisture, temperature, and conductivity to normalize signals.
- Wireless Data Transmission: Sends data to a cloud platform for processing.
- Data Processing: Algorithms convert raw data into interpretable indicators for decision-making.
- Compact and Low-power Design: Suitable for deployment in various field conditions.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, with completed laboratory prototypes validating the relationship between electrochemical signals and microbial activity. Future development phases include prototype refinement and field validation, aiming to achieve higher TRL levels through multi-site trials and integration with farm data platforms.
About Binghamton University
Binghamton University is a large, comprehensive public research university in the State University of New York system. Industry collaborates on campus through an advanced technologies complex with shared labs and prototyping facilities, and a health sciences campus adjacent to regional hospital partners. A downtown incubator and maker spaces connect faculty and startups with suppliers and manufacturing in New York’s Southern Tier, while co-op and internship pathways build talent pipelines for corporate R&D. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, and DoD, with additional state and industry sponsorship. A dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP protection, licensing, and startup formation.
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