Publications

There are many examples in nature in which the ability to detect is combined with decision-making, such as the basic survival instinct of plants and animals to search for food. We can technically translate this innate function via the use of robotics with integrated sensors and artificial intelligence. However, the integration of sensing capabilities into robotics has traditionally been neglected due to the significant associated technical challenges. Inspired by plant-root chemotropism, we present a miniaturized electrochemical array integrated into a robotic tip, embedding a customized micro-potentiometer. The system contains solid-state sensors fitted to the tip of the robotic root to three-dimensionally monitor potassium and pH changes in a moist, soil-like environment, providing an integrated electronic readout. The sensors measure a range of parameters compatible with realistic soil conditions. The sensors' response can trigger the movement of the robotic root with a control algorithm inspired by the behavior of the plant root that determines the optimal path toward root growth, simulating the decision-making process of a plant. This nature-inspired technology may lead, in the future, to the realization of robotic devices with the potential for monitoring and exploring the soil autonomously.

JTD Keywords: Artificial intelligenc, Biomimetic, Chemical sensor, Ion-selective electrode (ise), Nitrate, Ph, Plant roots, Potassiu, Potassium, Robotics, Soil detection, Tropism

Poly(vinylchloride) (PVC) is the most common polymer matrix used in the fabrication of ion-selective electrodes (ISEs). However, the surfaces of PVC-based sensors have been reported to show membrane instability. In an attempt to overcome this limitation, here we developed two alternative methods for the preparation of highly stable and robust ion-selective sensors. These platforms are based on the selective electropolymerization of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), where the sulfur atoms contained in the polymer covalently interact with the gold electrode, also permitting controlled selective attachment on a miniaturized electrode in an array format. This platform sensor was improved with the crosslinking of the membrane compounds with poly(ethyleneglycol) diglycidyl ether (PEG), thus also increasing the biocompatibility of the sensor. The resulting ISE membranes showed faster signal stabilization of the sensor response compared with that of the PVC matrix and also better reproducibility and stability, thus making these platforms highly suitable candidates for the manufacture of robust implantable sensors.

JTD Keywords: Biomedicine, Electrochemistry, Endoscope, Implantable device, Ion-selective electrode (ISE) sensor, Ischemia, pH detection, Biocompatibility, Chemical sensors, Electrochemistry, Electrodes, Electropolymerization, Endoscopy, Functional polymers, Implants (surgical), Ion selective electrodes, Medical applications, Polyvinyl chlorides, Stabilization, Biomedical applications, Biomedicine, Implantable devices, Ion selective sensors, Ischemia, Membrane instability, pH detection, Poly(3 ,4 ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), Ion selective membranes