SoftSense - Bio/Chemosensors for Soft Robotics
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Bioengineering
Abstract
SoftSense aims to develop bio/chemosensor platform to interface with soft robotics. The main objective is to underline the potential
and applicability of such sensors in proof-of-concept demonstrations in agricultural food security applications. The expected impact
of SoftSense is the diversification of the potential of soft robotics and paving the way for the commercialization of these technologies.
Conventional biosensing and chemical sensing rely on the detection in buffer solutions and liquid matrices to quantify the
concentration/amount of target analytes. This reliance results in often lengthy sample preparation steps and varied calibration curves
in real samples. Soft robotics most commonly deal with solid matter; accordingly, the soft-robot integrated bio/chemosensors should
apply to rapid dry-phase detection of target analytes. The dry-phase bio/chemosensing is highly challenging as the solid surfaces are
harder to quantify the concentration/amount of the analyte, and most of the recognition elements function in aqueous media.
In SoftSense, we aimed to develop analyte-specific hydrogels compatible with rapid electrochemical bio/chemosensing and soft
robotics in the screening of agricultural produce for selected pesticides and mycotoxins. We will utilize single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)
aptamers to achieve the target specificity. ssDNA aptamers are short nucleotide sequences of synthetic single-stranded DNA selected
in vitro toward target analytes with high affinity and selectivity. They can be synthesized by solid-phase chemical reactions in bulk
and tailored chemically to have labels, resistance to nuclease activity, and long-term stability. We will utilize electrochemical bio/
chemosensing methods to achieve the rapid detection of selected analytes.
and applicability of such sensors in proof-of-concept demonstrations in agricultural food security applications. The expected impact
of SoftSense is the diversification of the potential of soft robotics and paving the way for the commercialization of these technologies.
Conventional biosensing and chemical sensing rely on the detection in buffer solutions and liquid matrices to quantify the
concentration/amount of target analytes. This reliance results in often lengthy sample preparation steps and varied calibration curves
in real samples. Soft robotics most commonly deal with solid matter; accordingly, the soft-robot integrated bio/chemosensors should
apply to rapid dry-phase detection of target analytes. The dry-phase bio/chemosensing is highly challenging as the solid surfaces are
harder to quantify the concentration/amount of the analyte, and most of the recognition elements function in aqueous media.
In SoftSense, we aimed to develop analyte-specific hydrogels compatible with rapid electrochemical bio/chemosensing and soft
robotics in the screening of agricultural produce for selected pesticides and mycotoxins. We will utilize single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)
aptamers to achieve the target specificity. ssDNA aptamers are short nucleotide sequences of synthetic single-stranded DNA selected
in vitro toward target analytes with high affinity and selectivity. They can be synthesized by solid-phase chemical reactions in bulk
and tailored chemically to have labels, resistance to nuclease activity, and long-term stability. We will utilize electrochemical bio/
chemosensing methods to achieve the rapid detection of selected analytes.
Organisations
Publications
| Description | The project successfully designed novel aptamer-functionalized hydrogels that facilitates rapid, selective detection of target analytes (pesticides) in dry-phase conditions. These sensor platforms are currently being integrated with soft robotic grippers, in a proof-of-concept demonstration for agricultural produce screening and sorting. The main objective-to showcase the potential and applicability of soft robotics integrated sensors for agricultural and food security applications-is still undergoing experimental demonstrations and real-world proof-of-concept tests. While key milestones (such as achieving targeted detection limits and dynamic ranges) were still underdeveloped reached, some challenges remain in optimizing sensor stability and long-term performance. These challenges are typical of cutting-edge research and are being addressed in follow-on studies. The promising results set the stage for further development by both academic and industrial stakeholders. In academia, follow-up research can build on the sensor design to enhance performance and explore additional applications. Industry partners in soft robotics and agricultural technology can drive commercialization, with potential for technology transfer and start-up formation through existing collaborations between Imperial College London and relevant industry bodies. This summary demonstrates how the award's objectives were undergoing and highlights a clear path for further development and application of the research outcomes. |
| Exploitation Route | Through commercialisation, the technology can be transformed into platform available to all, globally. The results will also contribute to the scientific literature through publications. |
| Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Electronics Environment Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | The integration of novel bio/chemosensors with soft robotics has shown promising potential to revolutionize the detection of pesticides and mycotoxins in agricultural produce. This capability can lead to improved food safety and reduced crop losses, which are critical economic benefits for the agricultural sector. Early collaborations with industry partners and public institutions can be helpful to develop the technology and transform into commercially viable systems for rapid, on-site screening. These systems may open new markets in smart agricultural monitoring and compliance with food safety regulations. The findings could start to resonate with public and third-sector stakeholders by providing a pathway to more efficient and cost-effective food security measures in the near future. This has the potential to inform policy and regulatory practices regarding pesticide usage and food safety. By addressing real-world challenges in agriculture, the research is helping to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and practical, field-deployable solutions. The project has already contributed to raising awareness among non-academic audiences about the benefits of integrating soft robotics with advanced sensing technologies. The project is successfully tackling significant technical challenges, such as ensuring reliable sensor performance in dry-phase conditions and integrating these sensors into soft robotic systems. Overcoming these challenges require innovative cross-disciplinary approaches, which not only solved immediate technical hurdles but also paved the way for new methods and standards in the emerging field of soft robotic biosensing. Within academia, the award could be instrumental in nucleating a new research area at the intersection of soft robotics, materials science, and bio/chemosensing. The interdisciplinary nature of the work might spur new collaborations, enhanced training opportunities, and influenced curriculum developments, thereby fostering a new generation of researchers skilled in tackling complex, real-world problems. |