Real-time and noninvasive detection of UV-Induced deep tissue damage using electrical tattoos

Flexible Wearables for Plants

The excellent stretchability and biocompatibility of flexible sensors have inspired an emerging field of plant wearables, which enable intimate contact with the plants to continuously monitor the growth status and localized microclimate in real-time. Plant flexible wearables provide a promising platform for the development of plant phenotype and the construction of intelligent agriculture via monitoring and regulating the critical physiological parameters and microclimate of plants. Here, the emerging applications of plant flexible wearables together with their pros and cons from four aspects, including physiological indicators, surrounding environment, crop quality, and active control of growth, are highlighted. Self-powered energy supply systems and signal transmission mechanisms are also elucidated. Furthermore, the future opportunities and challenges of plant wearables are discussed in detail.

Effect of Fumed Silica Nanoparticles on Ultraviolet Aging Resistance of Bitumen

In this study, bitumen modified by fumed silica nanoparticles was characterized through dynamic shear rheometer tests, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The fumed silica nanoparticles were used in three different ratios, i.e., 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 wt.-% of bitumen. Specifically, the modified bitumen characteristics were studied after laboratory aging by analyzing the chemical composition and rheological properties. From the determination of oxidation degree and carbonyl index it was found that the resistance of the modified bitumen to ultraviolet aging was improved with the increasing nanoparticle content. In bitumen modified by fumed silica nanoparticles, the nanoparticles were well dispersed. Moreover, the results illustrated that the bitumen properties were improved, and the improvement effect of 0.1 wt.-% fumed silica nanoparticles was more distinct than the higher concentrations.

On-site identification of ozone damage in fruiting plants using vapor-deposited conducting polymer tattoos

Climate change is leading to increased concentrations of ground-level ozone in farms and orchards. Persistent ozone exposure causes irreversible oxidative damage to plants and reduces crop yield, threatening food supply chains. Here, we show that vapor-deposited conducting polymer tattoos on plant leaves can be used to perform on-site impedance analysis, which accurately reveals ozone damage, even at low exposure levels. Oxidative damage produces a unique change in the high-frequency (>10⁴ Hz) impedance and phase signals of leaves, which is not replicated by other abiotic stressors, such as drought. The polymer tattoos are resilient against ozone-induced chemical degradation and persist on the leaves of fruiting plants, thus allowing for frequent and long-term monitoring of cellular ozone damage in economically important crops, such as grapes and apples.