CAREER: Horticulture-on-a-chip: an innovative Bio-MEMS device to study interactions between roots and the root zone

Missouri University Of Science And Technology, Rolla MO

Investigators

Abstract

Horticulture-on-a-chip: an Innovative Bio-MEMS Device to Study Interactions between Roots and the Root Zone The objective of this research is to develop an innovative plant root microsystem with a superior capability of monitoring interactions between the plant roots and the immediate root zone environment. The approach is based on novel three-dimensional microsensor arrays. Vertical microarrays of electrochemical electrodes and optical waveguides are developed by new dryfilm photoresist lamination and electroplating processes. The microsensor arrays are integrated with a miniature plant growth system to monitor root zone oxygen distribution. Intellecyual merit: The interactions between the plant roots and the surrounding media are the least understood and most challenging aspect of plant research. The new microsystem is expected to provide a novel tool for nearly all aspects of root research including metabolic engineering, plant stress physiology, and plant pathology. An unprecedented use of the new microsystem to root zone monitoring will provide a major technological breakthrough for future root research efforts, thus expanding the application area of the microsystem technology to plant and agricultural science and engineering. Broader Impact: Expanding farming area without improvements of agricultural technology results in low crop yields and land pollution. Solutions to this challenge can only come from a better understanding of the plant root system, which can be expedited through the use of microsystem technology. This project involves a collaboration activity with a minority serving institution to develop root monitoring microsystems to expedite the participation of diversity. This microsystem education effort with an emphasis on plant and agricultural applications will create a new generation of workforce, proficient both in microsystems and agricultural engineering.