NECi proposes to develop a low cost, handheld device similar in form and function to the glucose meters used by diabetics, but for measurement of the plant nutrients nitrate and phosphate. The inexpensive meter will use disposable sensor strips. Sensing is based on immobilized enzyme films "printed" onto the electrode material of the sensor strips. Recombinant enzymes are the sensing agents: nitrate reductase for nitrate, purine nucleoside phosphorylase for phosphate. The enzymes confer analytical specificity and selectivity: an enzyme can find "a needle in a haystack", or 10 ppm nitrate in a drop of liquid. As the enzyme binds and reacts with its target analyte, the device detects the tiny electrical signal produced, and transmits this data to smartphones for transfer to any spreadsheet or ag software package. Little or no sample preparation is required. This product line has been NECi's goal since its founding in 1993: Point of Care technology for testing agricultural materials. Growers can monitor nutrient status of crops, thus maximizing yield and quality of fruit, seed, or biofuel feedstock. Soil or runoff testing shows nutrient content of soils, saving money on excess fertilizer addition while protecting water resources. Laboratory analysis will always have a place in farm management. These new tools add timely, on-site information. NECi believes that simple tools that yield accurate data will enable better practices in nutrient management.
