An eco-designed paper-based algal biosensor for nanoformulated herbicide optical detection

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Atrazine is a widely used herbicide, often formulated in nanoforms for enhanced efficacy.
• Accurate and sensitive detection methods are crucial for monitoring herbicide levels in agriculture and the environment.
• Existing detection methods can be costly and not suitable for on-site analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel paper-based algal biosensor for detecting nanoencapsulated-atrazine.
• To evaluate the sensor's performance, including sensitivity, selectivity, and stability.
• To assess the biosensor's suitability for smart agriculture applications.

Main Methods:

• Immobilization of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii algae on a paper substrate with an agar thin film.
• Optical detection using the variable fluorescence (1-V_J) parameter.
• Analysis of dose-response curves, interference, matrix effects, and stability.

Main Results:

• The biosensor detected nanoencapsulated-atrazine in a linear range of 0.5–200 nM with a detection limit of 4 pM.
• Minimal interference was observed from copper and arsenic at safety limits.
• The sensor demonstrated good storage stability (up to 3 weeks) and a recovery rate of 96% in tap water.

Conclusions:

• The developed paper-based algal biosensor is a sensitive, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly tool.
• It is suitable for on-site analysis of nanoencapsulated-atrazine in smart agriculture.
• The device offers a promising solution for real-time monitoring of herbicide contamination.