Real-time plant monitoring with microbial potentiometric sensors (mpss)
This solution employs Microbial Potentiometric Sensors (MPSs) to monitor plant health by measuring extracellular signal patterns in response to environmental conditions such as light and nutrients. It enables early detection of plant stress, optimizing growth and productivity.
Overview
Microbial Potentiometric Sensors (MPSs) offer a cutting-edge approach to real-time plant monitoring by measuring daily extracellular signal patterns. These sensors are embedded within plant tissues and the rhizosphere, capturing potentiometric signals that correlate with changes in biomass. By analyzing these signals, growers can gain early insights into plant health, allowing for proactive management of environmental stress and optimization of growth conditions.
Technical specifications
- Embedded MPS technology: Sensors placed within plant tissues and rhizosphere measure extracellular signal patterns.
- Real-time data capture: MPSs monitor signal patterns in response to light, nutrients, and water on a 24-hour cycle.
- Environmental stress detection: Cyclic signal plots indicate stress levels before visual symptoms appear.
- Greenhouse deployment: Systems incorporate additional sensors (moisture, light) with data collected at 10-minute intervals.
- Data analysis: Use of machine learning algorithms to interpret multi-dimensional data arrays and provide actionable insights.
Technology readiness level
Currently, the technology is at TRL 4, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory setting. Future plans include deploying MPS systems in greenhouse environments to further refine the technology and enhance its readiness for commercial applications.
About Burge Environmental, Inc
Burge Environmental, Inc. develops advanced analytical monitoring technologies, notably its proprietary MiProbE microbial sensor probe technology. This system, which integrates with a Microbial Signal Processor and a cloud-based analytics platform, provides real-time monitoring of microbial biofilm responses in complex environments such as wastewater treatment plants, industrial fish farming, and subsurface environmental monitoring. Unlike conventional sensors that often suffer from fouling in these demanding applications, the MiProbE technology utilizes the biofilm itself as the active sensing surface, requiring no regular maintenance. The company has also developed a range of custom sensing technologies designed to detect contaminants, including various heavy metals and radioactive isotopes, leveraging decades of research supported by federal grants.
These technologies are vital for customers and partners needing reliable process control and environmental oversight in challenging conditions where traditional sensors fail. By providing actionable, real-time data on microbial activity and substrate changes, Burge Environmental enables improved efficiency in industrial bioreactors and enhanced characterization of subsurface environments. The company has a long track record of securing and executing Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards from agencies like the U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of Defense, reflecting their role as a specialized developer of innovative, research-driven monitoring solutions. Their work supports critical applications in resource management, waste treatment optimization, and environmental remediation.
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