SERS imaging method for real-time monitoring of pesticide interactions with crops and plastics

Overview

This solution offers a novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) imaging method for real-time and in-situ monitoring of pesticide interactions with crops, plants, and plastics. By combining gold nanoparticle probes with confocal Raman microscopy, the method enables rapid, ultra-sensitive detection of pesticide concentration and distribution across material surfaces and at depth. The technology addresses critical needs in agricultural safety, food quality, and environmental monitoring by providing a facile tool to characterize how pesticides adsorb, desorb, penetrate, and persist on diverse substrates. Developed by a research group recognized as the first to apply SERS imaging for in-situ pesticide behavior analysis in complex matrices, the approach has been validated through extensive peer-reviewed publications and international media coverage.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• SERS surface imaging to determine pesticide concentration, distribution, and sorption/desorption behaviors on material surfaces
• SERS depth imaging for real-time monitoring of pesticide sorption and penetration into crops and plants
• Gold nanoparticle probes coupled with confocal Raman microscopy for ultra-sensitive detection
• Capability to monitor pesticide penetration, persistence, translocation, and transmission on living crops, fresh produce, and biological skin
• Applicable to crops, plants, and plastic surfaces, including evaluation of pesticide residues after different removal strategies
• Supports establishment of pesticide sorption kinetics and predictive models

Technology readiness level

The SERS imaging method has been extensively validated through over 15 publications in top-tier journals and has been demonstrated across multiple complex matrices including fresh produce, living crops, and biological skin. The research group has a proven track record of pioneering SERS imaging applications for pesticide behavior monitoring. The current project, with an 8-month timeline, will further develop and apply the method to specific pesticides of interest, validate sorption kinetics on crops and plants, and evaluate pesticide interactions with plastic surfaces under different removal strategies. The technology is at an advanced development stage with demonstrated proof-of-concept and ongoing refinement toward broader commercial and research applications.