Biosensors for Agriculture

Biosensors for Agriculture

28 Jul, 2020

A biosensor is a device that helps us to analyse things better. It converts biological signals into electrical signals. It is basically comprised of biological element and physiochemical detectors. The biological element may be enzyme, antibody or a cell receptor.

Biosensors have a wide range of application in several domains. They are used for detecting pathogens in healthcare and food industry. Its rapid and high sensitivity functioning made it highly efficient in agricultural application also. In agriculture, it is used for disease assessment.

The conventional method of pathogen detection involves morphological and biochemical identification but due to requirement of a lot of things, it is quite economical. Moreover, the technique is very laborious and time-consuming.

So, below are some sensors that are designed for specific agricultural products as per their requirements.

Detection of pathogens in plants

A high-density microelectrode array biosensor was developed that can detect E.coli bacteria in food materials. It has various advantages like it gives result in few minutes, reagent less, and very easy to use.

Detection of mycotoxins

These toxins are produced by the family of fungi and are commonly found in numerous agricultural products. Therefore, to get rid of this issue Carlson et al development a sensor that works on the principle of immunoaffinity. The pre-detection of such toxins helps farmers to save their crop from loss.

Detection of pathogens in animals

Many biosensors are designed to protect livestock from dangerous bacteria and viruses. The biosensor detects several diseases causing agents so that they can be cured on time to prevent any serious consequences.

Similarly, there is a wide range of biosensors that are developed from time to time according to the adversities faced by the agricultural domain. Agriculture is a very important arena that provides basic ingredients to mankind and provides raw materials to various industries and hence it must be protected from all kinds of dangers. Also, according to a report around 4,20,000 people dies annually because of the consumption of contaminated food and therefore, these sensors are doing a commendable job to deteriorate this rate.

Moreover, biosensors are not very expensive with simple configuration for access to illiterate farmers in developing countries.

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