In a significant stride towards precision agriculture, researchers have developed a novel dual-color hydrogel sensor that promises to revolutionize the way we monitor pesticide residues in living crops. This innovative wearable sensor, detailed in a recent study published in *Advanced Science*, combines high adhesion, interface self-adaptability, and self-repairing functions to provide minimally-invasive and accurate data on pesticide levels.
The sensor, named TPE@Mn@ZnS@AG@PVA, encapsulates blue-emission aggregation-induced emission nanoparticles (b-TPE NPs) and red-emission Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots (r-Mn@ZnS QDs) within an agarose, borax, and polyvinyl alcohol matrix. This unique combination allows for a dual-color assay that can detect thiophanate-methyl (TM) with a limit of detection as low as 0.045 micrograms per milliliter. The sensor’s design ensures high resistance to environmental and experimental interferences, making it a reliable tool for real-time monitoring.
One of the standout features of this hydrogel sensor is its ability to adapt to different interfaces and repair itself, ensuring longevity and consistent performance. “The smart interface self-adaptability and outstanding self-repairing function of our sensor make it highly suitable for practical applications in the field,” said lead author Jianling Chen from the Hebei Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety at Hebei University.
The commercial implications for the agriculture sector are substantial. Farmers and agronomists can now access real-time data on pesticide residues, enabling them to make informed decisions about pesticide application and crop management. This can lead to more efficient use of pesticides, reduced environmental impact, and improved crop yields. Additionally, the minimally-invasive nature of the sensor means it can be used on living crops without causing damage, providing a continuous stream of data throughout the growing season.
The development of this dual-color wearable sensor opens up new avenues for precision agriculture. As Jianling Chen noted, “This study offers an in-depth penetration into dual-color wearable sensors with distinctive features for minimally-invasive monitoring of pesticide residues in living crops, advancing the development of wearable crop sensors and precision agriculture.”
The research, led by Jianling Chen and published in *Advanced Science*, represents a significant step forward in the field of agritech. By providing a reliable, adaptable, and self-repairing sensor, this innovation has the potential to transform how we monitor and manage pesticide use in agriculture, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and efficient farming practices.