Research Brief: Nanosensor for Detecting Iron in Plants
April 3, 2025 Researchers have developed a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent nanosensor that can simultaneously detect and differentiate between iron forms in living plants. The study comes from the Disruptive & Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision (DiSTAP) interdisciplinary research group (IRG) of Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), MIT’s research enterprise in Singapore, along with Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL), and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Iron is crucial for plant health because it supports photosynthesis, respiration, and enzyme function. It primarily exists in two forms: Fe(II), which is readily available for plants to absorb and use, and Fe(III), which must first be converted into Fe(II) before plants can use it effectively.
Distinguishing between Fe(II) and Fe(III) provides insights into iron uptake efficiency, helps diagnose deficiencies or toxicities, and enables precise fertilization strategies in agriculture, which reduces waste and environmental impact while improving crop productivity.
This first-of-its-kind nanosensor enables real-time monitoring of iron uptake, transport, and changes between Fe(II) and Fe(III) – providing detailed observations into iron dynamics. Once introduced to plant tissue, the sensor emits distinct NIR fluorescence signals based on the iron type, enabling real-time tracking of iron movement and chemical changes.
While the nanosensor was tested on spinach and bok choy, it is species-agnostic, meaning it can be applied across a diverse range of plant species without genetic modification. This capability enhances the understanding of iron dynamics in various ecological settings, providing insights into plant health and nutrient management. As a result, it serves as a helpful tool for both fundamental plant research and agricultural applications, supporting precision nutrient management, reducing fertilizer waste, and improving crop health.
Future research will focus on leveraging the nanosensor to advance fundamental plant studies on iron homeostasis, nutrient signaling, and redox dynamics. Efforts are also underway to integrate the nanosensor into automated nutrient management systems for hydroponic and soil-based farming, expanding its functionality to detect other essential micronutrients. For the full research study, go to: https://www.agritechtomorrow.com/article/2025/03/smart-researchers-pioneer-first-of-its-kind-nanosensor-for-real-time-iron-detection-in-plants/16415