Nanoscience and Microsystems ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 11-15-2023

Abstract

Within this research, I have developed a microneedle-based wearable sensor for plants and fungi, to measure the electrical impedance of different tissues. Electrical impedance measures the physical properties of a material while allowing complex biological systems to be modeled onto a simplified electrical circuit. Microneedles allow for electrical impedance to measure specific tissues without the insulative properties of the cuticle and can be applied to delicate tissues. I have demonstrated the tissue specificity, novel attachment methods, as well as use on both plants and fungi. In chapter 1, I applied microneedle-based impedance to the leaf midrib of a sorghum and was able to measure discrete differences between structural hydrenchyma and the vascular bundles responsible for moving water and sugar throughout the plant in real time. In chapter 2, I characterized an adhesive polymer as a potential method for adhering wearable sensors to leaves with different geometries and other tissues in a plant and demonstrated its use in the field. Finally, in chapter 3, I completed an investigation of the impedance of fungal tissues that showed differences in the reproductive structures of mushrooms with different spore producing tissues. This study presents a novel and versatile tool for the measurement of discrete tissues in both fungi and plants.

Keywords

Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy, Microneedles, Plant Science, Agricultural Science, Adhesives

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Nanoscience and Microsystems

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Nanoscience and Microsystems

First Committee Member (Chair)

David Hanson

Second Committee Member

Philip Miller

Third Committee Member

Patrick Morgan

Fourth Committee Member

Melanie Moses

Fifth Committee Member

Lee Taylor

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