Advanced Solid State Nano-Electrochemical Sensors and System for Agri 4.0 Applications

Surface chemistry applications and development of immunosensors using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy: A comprehensive review

Immunosensors are promising alternatives as detection platforms for the current gold standards methods. Electrochemical immunosensors have already proven their capability for the sensitive, selective, detection of target biomarkers specific to COVID-19, varying cancers or Alzheimer's disease, etc. Among the electrochemical techniques, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a highly sensitive technique which examines the impedance of an electrochemical cell over a range of frequencies. There are several important critical requirements for the construction of successful impedimetric immunosensor. The applied surface chemistry and immobilisation protocol have impact on the electroanalytical performance of the developed immunosensors. In this Review, we summarise the building blocks of immunosensors based on EIS, including self-assembly monolayers, nanomaterials, polymers, immobilisation protocols and antibody orientation.

Sensitive Detection of BVDV Using Gold Nanoparticle-Modified Few-Layer Black Phosphorus with Affinity Peptide-Based Electrochemical Sensor

The lethality of the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in cattle involves inapparent infection and various, typically subclinical, syndromes. Cattle of all ages are vulnerable to infection with the virus. It also causes considerable economic losses, primarily due to reduced reproductive performance. In the absence of treatment that can completely cure infected animals, detection of BVDV relies on highly sensitive and selective diagnosis methods. In this study, an electrochemical detection system was developed as a useful and sensitive system for the detection of BVDV to suggest the direction of diagnostic technology through the development of conductive nanoparticle synthesis. As a countermeasure, a more sensitive and rapid BVDV detection system was developed using the synthesis of electroconductive nanomaterials black phosphorus (BP) and gold nanoparticle (AuNP). To increase the conductivity effect, AuNP was synthesized on the BP surface, and the stability of BP was improved by using dopamine self-polymerization. Moreover, its characterizations, electrical conductivity, selectivity, and sensitivity toward BVDV also have been investigated. The BP@AuNP-peptide-based BVDV electrochemical sensor exhibited a low detection limit of 0.59 copies mL^-1 with high selectivity and long-term stability (retaining 95% of its initial performance over 30 days).

Evolution of Sensor Research for Clarifying the Dynamics and Properties of Future Directions

The principal goal of this study is to analyze the evolution of sensor research and technologies from 1990 to 2020 to clarify outlook and future directions. This paper applies network analysis to a large dataset of publications concerning sensor research covering a 30-year period. Results show that the evolution of sensors is based on growing scientific interactions within networks, between different research fields that generate co-evolutionary pathways directed to develop general-purpose and/or specialized technologies, such as wireless sensors, biosensors, fiber-optic, and optical sensors, having manifold applications in industries. These results show new directions of sensor research that can drive R&D investments toward promising technological trajectories of sensors, exhibiting a high potential of growth to support scientific, technological, industrial, and socioeconomic development.

Microsystem Nodes for Soil Monitoring via an Energy Mapping Network: A Proof-of-Concept Preliminary Study

The need for accurate information and the availability of novel tool and technological advances in agriculture have given rise to innovative autonomous systems. The aim is to monitor key parameters for optimal water and fertilizer management. A key issue in precision agriculture is the in situ monitoring of soil macronutrients. Here, a proof-of-concept study was conducted that tested two types of sensors capable of capturing both the electrochemical response of the soil and the electrical potential generated by the interaction between the soil and plants. These two sensors can be used to monitor large areas using a network approach, due to their small size and low power consumption. The voltammetric sensor (BIONOTE-L) proved to be able to characterize different soil samples. It was able, indeed, to provide a reproducible voltammetric fingerprint specific for each soil type, and to monitor the concentration of CaCl₂ and NaCl in the soil. BIONOTE-L can be coupled to a device capable of capturing the energy produced by interactions between plants and soil. As a consequence, the functionality of the microsystem node when applied in a large-area monitoring network can be extended. Additional calibrations will be performed to fully characterize the instrument node, to implement the network, and to specialize it for a particular application in the field.

The fourth industrial revolution in the food industry-Part I: Industry 4.0 technologies

Climate change, the growth in world population, high levels of food waste and food loss, and the risk of new disease or pandemic outbreaks are examples of the many challenges that threaten future food sustainability and the security of the planet and urgently need to be addressed. The fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0, has been gaining momentum since 2015, being a significant driver for sustainable development and a successful catalyst to tackle critical global challenges. This review paper summarizes the most relevant food Industry 4.0 technologies including, among others, digital technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, big data analytics, Internet of Things, and blockchain) and other technological advances (e.g., smart sensors, robotics, digital twins, and cyber-physical systems). Moreover, insights into the new food trends (such as 3D printed foods) that have emerged as a result of the Industry 4.0 technological revolution will also be discussed in Part II of this work. The Industry 4.0 technologies have significantly modified the food industry and led to substantial consequences for the environment, economics, and human health. Despite the importance of each of the technologies mentioned above, ground-breaking sustainable solutions could only emerge by combining many technologies simultaneously. The Food Industry 4.0 era has been characterized by new challenges, opportunities, and trends that have reshaped current strategies and prospects for food production and consumption patterns, paving the way for the move toward Industry 5.0.

Electrochemical Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanostructures on Flexible Substrate and Application as an Electrochemical Immunoglobulin-G Immunosensor

Immunoglobulin G (IgG), a type of antibody, represents approximately 75% of serum antibodies in humans, and is the most common type of antibody found in blood circulation. Consequently, the development of simple, fast and reliable systems for IgG detection, which can be achieved using electrochemical sandwich-type immunosensors, is of considerable interest. In this study we have developed an immunosensor for human (H)-IgG using an inexpensive and very simple fabrication method based on ZnO nanorods (NRs) obtained through the electrodeposition of ZnO. The ZnO NRs were treated by electrodepositing a layer of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to ensure an easy immobilization of the antibodies. On Indium Tin Oxide supported on Polyethylene Terephthalate/ZnO NRs/rGO substrate, the sandwich configuration of the immunosensor was built through different incubation steps, which were all optimized. The immunosensor is electrochemically active thanks to the presence of gold nanoparticles tagging the secondary antibody. The immunosensor was used to measure the current density of the hydrogen development reaction which is indirectly linked to the concentration of H-IgG. In this way the calibration curve was constructed obtaining a logarithmic linear range of 10–1000 ng/mL with a detection limit of few ng/mL and good sensitivity.

Scientific Developments and New Technological Trajectories in Sensor Research

Scientific developments and new technological trajectories in sensors play an important role in understanding technological and social change. The goal of this study is to develop a scientometric analysis (using scientific documents and patents) to explain the evolution of sensor research and new sensor technologies that are critical to science and society. Results suggest that new directions in sensor research are driving technological trajectories of wireless sensor networks, biosensors and wearable sensors. These findings can help scholars to clarify new paths of technological change in sensors and policymakers to allocate research funds towards research fields and sensor technologies that have a high potential of growth for generating a positive societal impact.