Iot-enabled plant-wearable microneedle sensor suite for real-time nutrient and hormone monitoring
Wearable microneedle-based sensor platform providing in situ, real-time measurement of macronutrients (N, P, K), micronutrients (Ca, S, Fe), and stress hormones in soil and plant sap. Integrated wireless telemetry and machine learning deliver fertigation recommendations, detecting water stress 3-7 days earlier than commercial alternatives.
Overview
This technology is an IoT-enabled, plant-wearable microneedle sensor suite designed to provide continuous, real-time monitoring of crop nutrient status and stress conditions. By detecting primary macronutrients (N, P, K) and key micronutrients (Ca, S, Fe) alongside stress hormones such as salicylic acid and ethylene, the platform enables precision fertigation tailored to each plant's actual needs. Integration of sensor data with a machine learning model produces actionable insights on water and nutrient availability, supporting optimized fertilizer application, reduced input waste, and earlier intervention when crops experience stress.
Technical specifications
- Microneedle-based multiplexed ion sensing: L-shaped microneedle arrays measure ions such as nitrate and ammonium in soil at varying depths and in plant sap on a single chip.
- Selective functionalization coatings: Different coatings on each sensor enable selective electrochemical detection of target ions and hormones, with current variations proportional to analyte concentration.
- Hormone detection: Integrated plant-wearable wireless electrochemical patch measures salicylic acid and ethylene, correlating hormone levels with water deficiency from Day 1 of stress onset.
- Onboard data processing: A microprocessor converts measured current into ion and hormone concentration readings.
- Wireless telemetry: Integrated WiFi-capable communication supports remote, real-time data transmission.
- Machine learning integration: A trained model interprets multi-parameter sensor data to estimate fertigation timing and required nutrient amounts.
- Portability and power: Portable system integrating sensors, processing, and wireless communication; each measurement cycle lasts 5-10 minutes and consumes approximately 20 mW.
Technology readiness level
The underlying microneedle ion sensor and plant-wearable hormone sensing patch have been fabricated and validated in laboratory settings, demonstrating detection of nitrate and ammonium ions in soil and plant sap, as well as early water stress identification via salicylic acid and ethylene measurement. Future validation will expand the sensor array to include N, P, K, and additional micronutrients, apply distinct selective coatings, train the machine learning fertigation model, and conduct greenhouse testing with hourly data collection over extended periods. The technology is currently at an advanced prototype stage progressing toward field-ready deployment.
About University of Texas System, Tyler
A comprehensive public university within The University of Texas System, UT Tyler comprises a unified academic campus, a health science center, and a new medical school serving East Texas. The health science center’s integration with an affiliated regional hospital network provides co‑located clinics, inpatient facilities, and clinical research infrastructure on a single campus. Companies collaborate through sponsored research, contracted studies, and access to shared core laboratories and patient populations, with convenient reach to the Dallas–Fort Worth corridor. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH and NSF, along with state of Texas programs. A dedicated technology transfer function supports IP, licensing, and industry agreements.
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