Silicon-based ultrasonic plant tissue extraction and imaging
Innovative silicon ultrasonic tools enable precise, minimally invasive plant tissue extraction and imaging for research and development in plant biology.
Overview
The silicon-based ultrasonic plant tissue extraction and imaging technology offers a groundbreaking method for precise and minimally invasive sampling of plant tissues. Utilizing ultrasonic cutting tools made from micromachined silicon wafers, this solution allows for controlled extraction of tissue samples at the 10-100 micrometer scale. This precision enables researchers to conduct detailed studies on plant tissue development over time, without significantly harming the plant. The integration with GHz ultrasonic imaging ensures accurate placement of the cutting tool, enhancing the precision and efficacy of tissue extraction.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Ultrasonic Cutting Tools: Made from bulk-micromachined silicon wafers, these tools are driven by piezoelectric transducers and equipped with piezoresistive sensors for force feedback control.
- Integrated Imaging: GHz ultrasonic imaging chips provide real-time visualization of the plant tissue, allowing for precise cutting and sampling.
- Robotic Integration: The system can be mounted on a robotic arm with a camera, enabling automated and repeatable sampling from the same plant location.
- Control Systems: Utilizes Raspberry-PI for developing control algorithms to detect, sample, and store plant tissues efficiently in multi-well plates.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, this technology has demonstrated proof-of-concept and is in the process of integration with robotic systems for further validation and refinement. The next steps include enhancing control and placement capabilities to enable high-throughput sampling from multiple plants.
About Cornell University
Cornell University is a comprehensive private, land-grant research university with campuses in Ithaca and New York City, combining significant scale with cross-disciplinary breadth. Industry connects through open-access user facilities and prototyping labs, pilot-scale testbeds, and a research and technology park that provide pathways from discovery to demonstration. A statewide extension network and integration with a major hospital system enable real-world deployment, while a graduate campus embedded in New York City’s tech corridor provides direct access to startups, venture investors, and corporate R&D teams. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, the Department of Energy, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP management, licensing, startup formation, and corporate partnerships across campuses.
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