Plant Analysis Sensor

Abstract

The plant analysis sensor (1) is configured to fit into the stem (1a) of a plant (1b). The sensor comprises a rigid support (2) that is inserted into the stem (1a) to absorb at least one fluid of the plant (1b); an OECT (3) having a drain electrode (31), a source electrode (32) and a gate electrode (33) that is sensitive to a solute; and a first conductive channel (34) connecting the drain electrode (31) to the source electrode (32). Because these electrodes are contained within the rigid support (2), they can be wetted by the same fluid that wets the rigid support, making it possible to identify the presence of a solute in the fluid.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The object of the invention is a plant analytical sensor of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

[0002] In particular, the sensor is configured to measure electrochemical parameters in plant sap or other liquid fluid (hereinafter simply referred to as fluid). [Background technology]

[0003] As is known, the electrochemical analysis of plant fluids is carried out by analyzing sap extracted from the plant itself: this solution only allows for sample monitoring and therefore does not allow continuous and real-time monitoring of the electrochemical parameters of the plant.

[0004] Therefore, currently, to monitor the physiological properties of plants, electrochemical sensors have been made consisting of metal electrodes that are inserted into the plant and are used to perform electrical impedance measurements and potentiometric or amperometric studies.

[0005] The known techniques mentioned above exhibit several significant drawbacks.

[0006] These sensors are not biocompatible with plants, which in turn rejects such electrodes, and this incompatibility causes the plant to gradually isolate the metal electrodes from the plant structure, which backfires forming cavities that insulate the sensor from the surrounding plant.

[0007] Another drawback is that the known sensors are only able to highlight the variations in the electrical properties of the plant fluids, but do not make it possible to carry out a biochemical characterization of said fluids and therefore, in particular, to carry out a plant analysis.

[0008] Another major drawback is the complex construction and installation and therefore high cost of known plant analysis sensors. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In this context, the technical problem underlying the present invention is to design a plant analytical sensor that is able to substantially remedy at least some of the mentioned problems.

[0010] As part of this technical challenge, it is an important objective of the present invention to come up with a plant analytical sensor that is biocompatible with plants.

[0011] Another important objective of the present invention is to create a sensor that allows to perform precise plant analysis in a simple and minimally invasive manner in real time.

[0012] Another main objective is to create a plant analytical sensor that is easy to use with reduced cost.

[0013] The stated technical problem and object are achieved by a plant analysis sensor as claimed in the attached claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 shows a plant analytical sensor according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] The application of plant analysis sensors is shown. [Diagram 3] A second plant analytical sensor according to the present invention is presented. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an assembly of the plant analytical sensor. [Diagram 5] This is a cross section of FIG. [Figure 6] A further plant analytical sensor according to the present invention is presented. [Figure 7]1 illustrates a schematic process for the construction of a plant analytical sensor according to the present invention. [Figure 8] 3 illustrates a detection procedure performed by a plant analysis sensor according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] As used herein, measurements, values, shapes, and geometric references (such as perpendicular and parallel), when associated with "about" or other similar terms, such as "approximately" or "substantially," should be understood to disregard measurement errors or inaccuracies due to errors in production and / or manufacturing, and in particular to disregard slight deviations from such associated value, measurement, shape, or geometric reference. For example, such terms, when associated with a value, preferably indicate a difference of 10% or less of the value.

[0017] Further, when used, terms such as "first," "second," "upper," "lower," "primary," and "secondary" do not necessarily identify an order, relationship, priority, or relative position, but may simply be used to clearly distinguish different components.

[0018] Unless otherwise stated, terms such as "perpendicular," "lateral," "parallel," or "normal," or other terms of geometric position between geometric elements (e.g., axes, directions, and lines), should be understood as references to the inverse geometric position between corresponding projections. Such projections are intended to be defined on a single plane that is parallel to the plane or planes in which these geometric features reside.

[0019] Measurements and data reported in this document are assumed to have been made in the ICAO International Standard Atmosphere (ISO 2533) unless otherwise stated.

[0020] Unless otherwise specified, and as will be apparent from the description below, terms such as "processing," "computing," "determining," "calculating," or similar terms will be deemed to refer to operations and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic computing device that manipulate and / or transform data represented as physical quantities, such as electronic quantities in registers of a computer system and / or memory, or other data that is similarly represented as physical quantities within a computer system, record, or other device that stores, transmits, or displays information.

[0021] Referring to the drawings, a plant analytical sensor according to the present invention is generally indicated with the numeral 1.

[0022] The plant analytical sensor is configured to measure electrochemical parameters in plant sap or other fluids.

[0023] The plant analysis sensor 1 is configured to be at least partially (specifically, preferably completely) inserted into the stem 1a of the plant 1b as shown in Figure 2. Suitably, the plant analysis sensor 1 may be inserted into a hole 1c in the stem 1a that is shaped approximately against a rigid support 2 introduced below.

[0024] As known to those skilled in the art, the trunk 1a identifies the support structure of the plant. It connects the roots and the leaves through conductive tissues whose function is to transport fluids (i.e. arborescent fluids, specifically the internal liquids of the plant, which mainly contain water and inorganic salts) from the roots to the leaves, and sap from these to the entire corm.

[0025] In particular, the trunk 1a is a tree trunk.

[0026] The conductive tissues of the stem 1a may include wood or xylem (used for the conduction of water and inorganic salts) and bast or phloem (used for the conduction of lymph).

[0027] The hole 1c is made such that at least a part, in particular all of the conductive tissue of the section of the plant 1b (in particular of the stem 1a), specifically comprising the xylem and / or phloem, is accessible to the sensor 1. The plant analysis sensor 1 is configured to be inserted into the stem 1a by contacting the tree fluid and, in particular, at least a part, and preferably all of the conductive tissue of the section of the plant, more specifically of the stem 1a, specifically the xylem or phloem.

[0028] The plant analysis sensor 1 may comprise a highly sensitive device that may be inserted into the plant 1b, specifically into the stem 1a.

[0029] The plant analysis sensor 1, in particular the highly sensitive device, may include a rigid support 2. In particular, the highly sensitive device includes only one rigid support.

[0030] The rigid support 2 is configured to fit onto the trunk 1a, and is therefore suitable for direct contact with the trunk 1a.

[0031] The support is defined as a "rigid support" since it can be inserted into the trunk 1a without substantial modification / deformation. A rigid support has a strength of substantially at least 10 N / mm 2 , specifically, substantially equal to 10 N / mm 2 and 150N / mm 2 More specifically, between 15N / mm 2 and 100N / mm 2 and more particularly between 25N / mm 2 and 50N / mm 2 This hardness, calculated according to the well-known Brinell scale, is a measure of values ​​derived from testing the hardness of materials using the Brinell method devised by Swedish metallurgist Johan August Brinell.

[0032] The rigid support 2 is configured to be in contact with the trunk 1a and to absorb tree fluids from the trunk 1a. The rigid support 2 is then configured to be inserted into the trunk 1a in contact with at least a part of the conductive tissue of the section of the trunk 1a, in particular with the xylem or phloem. Preferably, the rigid support 2 identifies the only sensor element configured to absorb tree fluids.

[0033] For this purpose, the rigid support 2 can be realized in a material having a porosity substantially equal to at least 40% to allow the fluid to be absorbed by the rigid support 2. Preferably, the porosity of the rigid support 2 can be approximately between 50% and 90%, in particular between 50% and 75%, more particularly between 50% and 60%.

[0034] Typically, the porosity of a structure having small gaps, i.e., gaps and pores that can be filled with fluid (i.e., tree fluids), can be calculated as the ratio between the volume of the voids and the total volume of the absorbent sample 2.

[0035] Preferably, the rigid support 2 is made of a material having the abovementioned Brinell hardness and the abovementioned porosity.

[0036] Suitably, the rigid support 2 is made of an electrically insulating material.

[0037] The rigid support 2 may be made of a hygroscopic material (ie, one that has the ability to absorb moisture), preferably one that is biocompatible.

[0038] The rigid support 2 may be made of a hydrophilic material (ie one that has the ability to absorb liquids, such as the liquid in the trunk 1a), preferably one that is biocompatible.

[0039] Advantageously, the rigid support 2 may be made of a hydrophilic and hygroscopic material, preferably a biocompatible one. The rigid support 2 may be made of a natural material, suitably in timber, more suitably in bamboo or rattan.

[0040] The rigid support 2 may define a longitudinal axis 2a, i.e. an axis of preferred development. Preferably, the longitudinal axis 2a identifies the direction of insertion of the support 2, and thus the plant analysis sensor 1, into the stem 1a.

[0041] The rigid support 2 may also define a section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2a, preferably having a suitable cylindrical shape with a diameter of substantially between 5 mm and 15 mm. Alternatively, this section may be multi-sided (such as a quadrilateral, rectangle or square), preferably having an upper obstruction of substantially between 5 mm and 15 mm.

[0042] The term rigid support section 2 identifies the area perpendicular to the axis 2a of the same rigid support.

[0043] Suitably, it may have a constant section as described above along the longitudinal axis 2a, or in some cases may have at least one tapered section to facilitate introduction into the trunk 1a. In particular, the rigid support may define a first end along the axis 2a having a tapered section and a second non-tapered section.

[0044] The section of the rigid support 2 is approximately 0.1 cm 2 For details, 0.1 cm 2 and 5 cm 2 More specifically, 0.5 cm 2 and 3 cm 2 This may have an extension between substantially 1.5 cm 2 or 2.0 cm 2 It may be equal to.

[0045] The plant analysis sensor 1, in particular the highly sensitive device, may include at least one (in particular only one) OECT 3 configured to perform an electrical characterization of the tree fluid and thus enable the fluid to be analyzed in accordance with said electrical characterization.

[0046] In particular, the OECT3 is configured to perform an electrical characterization of the tree fluid by detecting current variations in the OECT itself, thus enabling analysis of the fluid in response to said current variations.

[0047] The OECT 3 may be deposited on the rigid support 2, for example for molding. It is noted that the OECT has a particularly reduced thickness and therefore does not substantially change the shape of the support, allowing the introduction of the sensor into a hole 1c of substantially opposing shape to the rigid support 2. To this end, the rigid support may include active sectors 2b (identifiable, for example, in grooves) that define a hollow part of the support 2 on which the OECT 3 is deposited and thus do not protrude from the support 2.

[0048] The OECT 3 is an organic electrochemical transistor that may include a drain electrode 31, a source electrode 32, and a gate electrode 33 that is sensitive to at least one solute in the tree fluid.

[0049] Note that electrodes 31, 32, 33 do not contact each other.

[0050] The drain electrode 31 and the source electrode 32 may be known metal electrodes bonded to the rigid support 2, for example by glue or interlocking. In some cases, these electrodes may be made by deposition (such as molding) of a conductive material (such as a polymer and / or a conductive paint) on the rigid support 2. The conductive paint may comprise a conductive powder (such as a metal such as copper, silver and / or gold) or a polymer dispersion, for example including at least one conductive homopolymer. In case of a metal powder, the paint may comprise a powder of at least one first and one second metal having a standard reduced potential greater than the first metal, suitably of the order of 1 V. For example, the paint may comprise a silver powder content substantially between 15% and 20%, and a copper powder content substantially between 3% and 5%.

[0051] The drain electrode 31 and the source electrode 32 may be integral with the rigid support 2 , in particular bonded to the same surface of the rigid support 2 .

[0052] In a first non-limiting embodiment, electrodes 31 and 32 can be at the same end, for example, at the second end (FIG. 1).

[0053] In a second non-limiting embodiment (FIGS. 3 to 6), the drain electrode 31 and the source electrode 32 may be distal from these ends so as to be appropriately located near the central section of the trunk 1a, for example, they may have a distance from each end substantially between 10% and 50%, in particular between 25% and 50%, more precisely between 40% and 50% of the length of the rigid support calculated along the longitudinal axis 2a.

[0054] Preferably, according to this embodiment, the electrodes 31 and 32 are arranged on substantially the same section of the support 2 .

[0055] In at least the second embodiment, the distance between the electrodes 31 and 32 may be substantially less than 10 mm, in particular less than 5 mm, suitably substantially between 1 mm and 3 mm (e.g. 2 mm). Said distance identifies measurements performed along the outer surface of the rigid support 2.

[0056] The gate electrode 33 is configured to enable the OECT 3, and in particular the plant analytical sensor 1, to detect the content, and more precisely the concentration, of at least one solute in the tree fluid, such as sodium, calcium and potassium, which may include an additive, described below, that is electrically sensitive to said solutes, covering at least a portion of the electrode 33.

[0057] The gate electrode 33 may be a well-known metal electrode bonded, for example by glue or interlocking, to the rigid support 2. In some cases, the gate electrode 33 may be fabricated by deposition (e.g., molding) of a conductive material (such as a polymer and / or the conductive paint described above) onto the rigid support 2.

[0058] Gate electrode 33 may be integral with rigid support 2, and in particular may be bonded to a surface of support 2 that is different from, or preferably coincident with, the constraints of electrodes 31 and 32 (FIG. 1).

[0059] Gate electrode 33 may be disposed between electrodes 31 and 32 without contacting them.

[0060] In the first embodiment above, electrodes 31, 32 and 33 may all be located at the same end (eg, the second end shown in FIG. 1).

[0061] In the second embodiment, the electrode gate 33 is not at one end. For example, the electrode gate 33 may have a distance from each end that is substantially between 10% and 50%, in particular between 25% and 50%, more precisely between 40% and 50% of the length of the support 2.

[0062] Preferably, in the second embodiment, the gate electrode 33 has a different distance from these ends than the drain and source electrodes 31 and 32. The electrodes 31 and 32 may then be arranged in a first section of the rigid support 2 and the gate electrode 33 in a second section of the rigid support 2 which is different from the first section.

[0063] The distance between the first and second sections, calculated along the axis 2a, may be substantially less than 10 mm, in particular less than 5 mm, suitably between 1 mm and 3 mm (e.g. 2 mm).

[0064] The distance between the first and second sections may be substantially equal to the distance between the drain and source electrodes 31 and 32 .

[0065] The OECT 3 connects a drain electrode 31 to a source 32 and may include a first channel (34) integral with the rigid support 2 to be wetted by tree fluid, preferably tree fluid, which is absorbed by the rigid support 2.

[0066] The first channel (34) is realizable on the outer surface of the rigid support 2 and does not protrude therefrom. The first channel (34) can preferably identify a groove in the rigid support 2 that collects tree fluids; consequently, the first channel (34) does not protrude from the rigid support 2 and thus defines the outer profile of at least a portion of the sensor 1 that is inserted into the trunk 1a.

[0067] The first channel ( 34 ) may not be in contact with the gate electrode 33 .

[0068] The first channel (34) may be electrically conductive. The first channel (34) may be realized by deposition (such as molding) of said electrically conductive material (such as a polymer and / or a conductive paint) on the rigid support 2.

[0069] The first channel (34) may define a first growth trajectory perpendicular to the growth trajectory and parallel to the surface on which it is made and a first thickness.

[0070] The first developing track and the first channel (34) may extend over at least 50%, in particular 70%, more particularly 90% of the length of the rigid support 2 calculated along the longitudinal axis 2a. Preferably, they extend along substantially the entire length of the rigid support 2.

[0071] Also, the first channel (34) may define an open protruding profile in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2a. For example, in a first embodiment, the first development trajectory of the first channel (34) may be substantially "II" as shown in Fig. 1; in a second embodiment, the first channel (34) may extend along a portion of the circumference of the first section, thus identifying an arch in place on said first section.

[0072] Alternatively, the first channel (34) may define a closed projection profile on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2a. The projection of the first channel (34) on said plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2a thus extends over the entire circumference of the section of the support 2 perpendicular to the axis 2a. For example, in the case of the second embodiment, said first channel (34) may identify a spiral with multiple windings on the support 2 or extend over the entire circumference of the first section, for example by defining a circle / circumference passing through and joining the drain and source electrodes 31 and 32 (FIG. 5). Said projection of the first channel (34) is carried out along the axis 2a.

[0073] It should be noted that the gate electrode 33 is configured to interact with the first channel (34) through the rigid support 2 (specifically through at least a portion of the tree fluid absorbed by the support 2) to determine variations in the current in the first channel (34), and thus between the drain electrode 31 and the source electrode 32, depending on the solute content in the fluid.

[0074] In particular, the gate electrode 33 is configured to interact directly (ie, without additional elements) with the first channel (34) as shown in Figures 3 to 6.

[0075] Alternatively, the gate 33 electrode is configured to indirectly interact with the first channel (34) (FIG. 1). Thus, the OECT 3 may include a second channel (35) connected to the gate electrode 33 and integral with the rigid support 2 to be wetted by a tree fluid, preferably a tree fluid absorbed by the same support 2, allowing the gate electrode 33 to interact with the first channel (34) through the second channel (35) by varying the current in said first channel (34) according to the content of said solute in said fluid.

[0076] The second channel (35) can be realized on the outer surface of the support 2. The second channel (35) can be realized in a groove in the support 2 for collection of fluid, preferably wood; consequently, the second channel (35) does not protrude from the rigid support 2 and thus defines the outer profile of the part of the sensor 1 that is inserted into the trunk 1a.

[0077] The second channel (35) may be out of contact with the first channel (34) and the electrodes 31 and 32.

[0078] The second channel (35) may be electrically conductive, in particular sensitive to solute ions, preferably complementary solutes. The second channel (35) may be made by deposition (such as molding) of said electrically conductive material (such as a polymer and / or a conductive paint) on the rigid support 2. The second channel (35) may define a second growth trajectory and a second thickness perpendicular to said second growth trajectory and parallel to the surface on which it is made.

[0079] The second development track and thus the second channel (35) may extend over at least 50%, in particular 70%, more particularly 90% of the length of the rigid support 2 calculated along the longitudinal axis 2a. Preferably, they extend along almost the entire length of the rigid support 2.

[0080] The second development trajectory may be substantially parallel to the first trajectory, for example, as shown in Figure 1 in relation to the first embodiment, the second channel (35) may be surrounded by the first channel (34) and may be parallel to a linear sector of said first channel (34).

[0081] It should be noted that in at least the second embodiment, the OECT 3 may be without the second channel (35).

[0082] The OECT 3 may comprise an additive 36 configured to be electrically sensitive to this solute, i.e. to vary its electrical properties (i.e. preferably channel 34 or 35 of the first channel (34)) depending on the concentration of the solute, in particular the solute in the tree fluid absorbed by the support 2.

[0083] The additive 36 may comprise a polymer with a molecular fingerprint that is bound to the solute and therefore capable of modifying the current (specifically, the passage, more precisely, the intensity of the current) in the first channel (34) (and therefore the intensity of the current detected by the plant analytical sensor 1) depending on the presence or absence of the solute in the fluid absorbed by the support 2. Preferably, the additive 36 is called a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP). The molecularly imprinted polymer and the additive 36 may be bound to the solute. The MIP identifies the additive obtained through molecular imprinting, which creates a polymer matrix containing cavities that have an affinity for a selected "mold" molecule. This "mold" molecule is the solute to be detected.

[0084] The additive 36 may be configured to contact tree fluids absorbed by the rigid support 2 and thus be at least partially sandwiched between a portion of the OECT and said fluid.

[0085] The additive 36 may be at least partially, particularly completely, sandwiched between the rigid support 2 and at least one portion, particularly the entirety of at least one channel 34 or 35; and / or the additive 36 may stand at least partially, particularly completely, between the rigid support 2 and the gate electrode 33.

[0086] The additive 36 may be applied to at least a portion of the channel 34 or 35 so as to stand between the channel and the electrode. Preferably, the additive 36 may stand at least partially, in particular completely, between the first channel (34) and the electrode gate 33.

[0087] In particular, the additive 36 may be applied onto at least a portion of the first channel (34) (FIGS. 3-4), in particular on a surface of the first channel (34) proximate to and facing the gate 33. Additionally or alternatively, the additive 36 may be applied onto at least a portion of the gate electrode 33 (FIG. 6), preferably between the gate electrode 33 and the first channel (34).

[0088] The additive 36 can be applied to the channel 34 and / or 35 and / or the gate 33 through integration and / or as it defines a coating of at least a part of that component. In the first case (integration), the additive 36 is a component that is added (e.g. by mixing with a conductive material) in the formation of at least a part of the gate electrode 33 and / or the channel 34 and / or 35; in the second case, the additive 36 can be a coating of at least a part of the gate electrode 33 and / or the channel 34 and / or 35.

[0089] The additive 36 preferably does not protrude from the rigid support 2. For example, when the additive 36 is disposed within a channel 34 or 35, it only partially fills it.

[0090] The sensor 1 may include an OECT 3, a motion control substrate 4, and at least one connector 5 connecting the substrate 4 to the OECT 3.

[0091] Each connector 5 defines a data transfer between the substrate 4 and the OECT 3, in particular between the substrate 4 and a respective electrode.

[0092] The connector 5 may define a wireless or preferably a wired connection (ie a cable suitably provided with an electrically insulating coating).

[0093] The substrate 4 may be integrated into the stand 2 .

[0094] The substrate 4 is configured to determine the presence, and in particular the content and therefore the concentration, of solutes in the tree fluid in response to current fluctuations in the first channel (34) (i.e. between electrodes 31 and 32) determined by the interaction of the electrode gate 33 with the first channel 34 and thus the second channel 34.

[0095] The substrate 4 may include an interface.

[0096] The interface may be an output and thus may include a screen or other device configured to allow an operator to view the results of the analysis. Additionally or alternatively, the interface may be an input and thus may include a keyboard or other device configured to allow an operator to control the plant analysis sensor 1.

[0097] The substrate 4 may include a plant analysis database that relates values ​​of physiological parameters of the plant 1b (degree of hydration, accuracy of supply, etc.) to the content / concentration of one or more solutes.

[0098] The substrate 4 may also include a parameter database that includes properties of the rigid support 2, such as porosity, permeability, or other properties mentioned above.

[0099] The substrate 4 may include a storage memory for the database and / or for data acquired by the plant analysis sensor 1 .

[0100] The substrate 4 may be configured to define a current transfer within the OECT 3, suitably to detect the presence, and in particular the concentration, of the tree fluid, suitably a tree solute, in response to a variation in the current within the OECT 3, in particular between the drain electrode 31 and the source electrode 32.

[0101] In particular, the substrate 4 is configured to suitably independently apply an electrical potential to one or more electrodes, by defining the passage of an electrical current between said electrodes, and thus within the OECT 3.

[0102] The substrate 4 may then suitably define one or more acquisition configurations of current between pairs of electrodes in which a potential difference between the two electrodes, in particular between the drain electrode 31 and the source electrode 32, is defined over an uptime. The uptime may be substantially at least 30 seconds, in particular between 30 seconds and 600 seconds, more particularly between 1 minute and 5 minutes, and even more particularly between 1 minute and 3 minutes. The uptime is preferably approximately equal to 2 minutes.

[0103] The uptime may be the same for the various configurations.

[0104] The potential difference may be defined with the drain electrode 31 discharged (at zero potential) and specifically with the source electrode 32 only positively charged.

[0105] The substrate 4 is capable of defining a first acquisition configuration by defining a first potential difference between the drain electrode 31 and the source electrode 32 .

[0106] The first potential difference may be less than approximately 1 V, in particular less than 0.5 V, and more particularly substantially between 0.3 V and 0.05 V. The first potential difference may be substantially equal to 0.1 V.

[0107] In such a configuration, the gate electrode 33 is discharged.

[0108] The substrate 4 can define a second acquisition configuration by defining a second potential difference between the drain electrode 31 and the source electrode 32 and a charge potential on the gate electrode 33 .

[0109] The second potential difference may be less than approximately 1 V, in particular less than 0.5 V, and more particularly substantially between 0.3 V and 0.05 V. The first potential difference may be substantially equal to 0.1 V.

[0110] The second potential difference may be equal to the first potential difference.

[0111] The charging potential may be positive.

[0112] This may be substantially greater than the second potential difference.

[0113] The charge potential may be substantially at least 0.2 V, particularly between substantially 0.2 V and 5 V, and more particularly between 0.5 V and 2 V. The charge potential may be substantially between 0.8 V and 1 V.

[0114] Note that in this configuration, the gate electrode 33 is charged and the drain electrode 31 is discharged so that a potential difference exists between them.

[0115] The substrate 4 may include connection means configured to connect the plant analysis sensor 1 (particularly the substrate 4) to an external unit such as a computer, a tablet or a smartphone.

[0116] The plant analytical sensor 1, and in particular the sensitive device, may include a protective sheath 6 (for simplicity, only shown in FIG. 3) of at least a portion of the OECT.

[0117] The sheath 6 may be configured to protect at least the electrodes 31, 32 and 33, the first channel (34), and, if present, the second channel (35). The sheath 6 may be configured to protect the entire OECT 3, which is then enclosed between the sheath 6 and the rigid support 2.

[0118] The sheath 6 covers at least a part of the rigid support 2 and at least a part of the OECT surrounding at least the electrodes 31, 32 and 33 and the first channel (34) between the rigid support 2 and the sheath 6. Thus, in use (i.e. when at least the rigid support 2 and the OECT 3 are inserted into the stem 1a), the sheath 6 stands between the stem 1a, at least the rigid support 2 and the OECT 3 to avoid direct contact between the OECT 3 and the stem 1a.

[0119] The sheath 6 may not protrude from the rigid support 2. As a result, the active sector 2b contains the OECT 3 and the sheath 6 and therefore does not protrude from the support 2. Suitably, the sheath 6 is made of an electrically insulating material.

[0120] The sheath 6 may be made of a hydrophilic material, preferably biocompatible, so as to absorb and thus be permeated by the tree fluids of the plant 1b.

[0121] The sheath 6 may be integral with the rigid support 2 .

[0122] The sheath 6 may be made of an elastic material so that it deforms elastically when wrapped around the support 2 and thus may tend to compress on the support 2 due to the constraint.

[0123] The sheath 6 may be made of a natural material, suitably fabric, and is preferably elastic.

[0124] The sheath 6 may be made of a perforated material. By "perforated" is meant that the sheath 6 may essentially comprise a perforated membrane, e.g., a resin or gauze or other material containing perforations that facilitate the passage of fluids through both the material that constitutes the sheath 6 and said perforations.

[0125] The plant analysis sensor 1 may include a plant analysis sensor power supply 7, such as a battery or a connector to an external power network.

[0126] The power supply 7 may be configured to provide power to the sensor 1 along with the substrate 4 .

[0127] The present invention includes a novel construction procedure 100 for the plant analysis sensor 1 according to what has been described above in structural terms.

[0128] The building procedure 100 may be performed according to FIG.

[0129] The construction procedure 100 may include a stage 110 of mounting the OECT 3 on a rigid support 2 that corresponds appropriately to the active sector 2b.

[0130] Said phase 110 can comprise the deposition (molding) of at least one conductive material on the support 2, thereby creating the first channel (34), the second channel (35), if present, and, suitably, the electrodes 31, 32 and 33. In particular, the building phase 110 can comprise a first sub-phase of deposition 111 on the active sectors 2b of a first conductive material, creating the first channel (34) and, if present, the second channel (35). The building phase 110 can also comprise a second sub-phase of deposition 112 on the active sectors 2b of a second conductive material, creating the electrodes 31, 32, 33.

[0131] In said sub-phases 111 and 112, the deposition of said material can be carried out by moulding, in particular by spray coating, serigraphy, screen printing or pad printing.

[0132] In a first sub-phase 111, a first adhesion mask may be used, in which the first channel (34) and, if present, the second channel (35) are reproduced in a negative.

[0133] In a first sub-phase 111, the deposition may be performed by heating the rigid support 2 to a temperature substantially equal to the heating temperature mentioned above.

[0134] In a second sub-phase 112 of the deposition, this may be used to reproduce these electrodes in a negative manner using a second adhesion mask.

[0135] A second material defining electrodes 31 and 32 is deposited on part of the first channel (34) and on part of the support 2. One defining the gate electrode 33 is deposited on part of the support 2 and on part of the second channel (35), if present.

[0136] The first material may be different from the second material, or preferably, the same as the second material.

[0137] The first material may be a polymer paint as described above. Preferably, the first material is sensitive to the solute and / or complementary solute ions, in particular a conductive polymer, such as a paint preferably comprising emulsion particles of a conductive polymer, such as polypyrrole, polyaniline or PEDOT-PSS.

[0138] The second material may be a metallic paint, for example including the copper, silver and / or gold metal powders mentioned above.

[0139] In each deposition sub-phase 111 and 1112, the rigid support 2 may be at a temperature substantially equal to the heating temperature, suitably substantially between 80°C and 130°C, in particular substantially equal to 120°C.

[0140] In the construction phase 110, an additive 36 may be added to at least a part of the OECT3; in a preferred case, said additive 36 is a MIP made with a solute as a mould molecule. As a result, the additive 36 may stand at least partially between the OECT3 and the junction fluid, in particular between the channels 34 and / or 35 and the fluid by contacting said fluid. Alternatively or additionally, the additive 36 may stand at least partially between the gate electrode 33 and the second channel (35).

[0141] In particular, the construction phase 110 may include a preparation sub-phase 113 of an additive 36, preferably a MIP. The preparation sub-phase 113 may thus be a molecular imprinting procedure, i.e. a technique for creating shaped cavities in a polymer matrix with a predefined selectivity and high affinity for a solute. The additive 36 may thus be obtained using a solute as a mold molecule (i.e. as a molecule used for the creation of a MIP through a molecular imprinting technique that leaves cavities in a polymer matrix with an affinity for a selected "mold" molecule).

[0142] In sub-phase 113, the additive 36 may then be mixed with at least a portion of the conductive material that may then be deposited on the rigid support 2 to create the channels 34 and / or 35. In particular, the additive 36 may be mixed with (and thus deposited with) the first conductive material in a first sub-phase to create the channels 34 and / or 35. Alternatively or additionally, the additive 36 may be mixed with at least a portion of the conductive material used to make the gate electrode 33.

[0143] As an alternative to mixing with a conductive material, the additive 36 may define a coating of at least a portion of the channels 34 and / or 35 and thus the building phase may include a coating sub-phase 114 in which the additive 36 may be deposited on at least a portion of the channels 34 and / or 35 and / or the gate electrode 33.

[0144] As a result, the additive 36 may at least partially stand between the OECT 3 and the tree fluid, in particular between the channels 34 and / or 35 and the fluid by contacting said fluid. Alternatively or additionally, the additive 36 may at least partially stand between the gate electrode 33 and the second channel (35). Alternatively or additionally, the additive 36 may at least partially stand between the gate electrode 33 and the second channel (35).

[0145] The coating sub-phase 114 follows the first deposition sub-phase and preferably precedes the second deposition sub-phase.

[0146] In a coating sub-phase 114, additive 36 may be applied to at least a portion of channels 34 and / or 35 as described above.

[0147] The manufacturing process 100 may include a covering stage 120, in which the sheath 6 covers the OECT 3 and at least a part of the rigid support 2. In particular, the sheath 6 covers the OECT 3 and the active sector 2b.

[0148] The manufacturing process 100 may include a step 130 of connecting the substrate 4 to the OECT 3 through at least one connector 5 .

[0149] Optionally, in a connection step 140 , a power source 7 may be connected to the rest of the plant analysis sensor 1 through said substrate 4 .

[0150] The operation of the plant analysis sensor 1 introduces a new detection procedure 200 of solutes in tree fluids that may be suitably implemented by the sensor 1 .

[0151] The detection procedure 200 can be controlled from the substrate 4 .

[0152] The detection procedure 200 may be performed according to FIG.

[0153] The detection procedure 200 may include a step 210 of inserting the support 2, the OECT 3 (particularly, at least of the channels 34 and / or 35), the sheath 6, if present, into the stem 1a, particularly into the hole 1c of the plant 1b, more particularly into the stem 1a of a shape substantially opposed to said rigid support 2.

[0154] The detection procedure 200 may include a wetting phase 220 in which the support 2 inserted into the trunk 1a (in particular in contact with the conductive tissue of the trunk 1a) absorbs a tree fluid, suitably a tree, and passes from a dry state to a wet state. In particular, in phase 220, said fluid wets the sheath 6 and through it comes into contact with the rigid support 2 which absorbs it.

[0155] The fluid passes through the rigid support 2 and contacts and wets the first channel (34) and, if present, the second channel (35).

[0156] It should be noted that in the case of the first circumferentially shaped channel (34), this is wetted with fluid regardless of the orientation of the support 2 when inserted into the stem 1a.

[0157] The detection procedure 200 may include a setup stage 230 of the sensor 1, in which a reference current of the OECT 3 is determined, ie the current when not affected by the solute.

[0158] In the setting phase 230, the fluid absorbed by the support 2 may contain at least the solutes mentioned above.

[0159] In a configuration phase 230, a reference current between the drain electrode 31 and the source electrode 32 may be determined by placing the OECT 3 in a first acquisition configuration. The reference current measurement may be stored in a memory of the substrate 4.

[0160] The detection procedure 200 may include at least one phase 240 of measuring the presence of a solute in the fluid.

[0161] In a measurement phase 240, a measurement current, ie the current in the OECT 3, may be determined between the drain electrode 31 and the source electrode 32, as appropriate, if affected by the presence of a solute in the fluid.

[0162] In the measurement phase 240, the OECT3 may be placed in a second acquisition configuration.

[0163] It should be noted that in said phase 240, due to the additive 36, the gate electrode 33 influences the passage of current in the first channel (34) between the drain electrode 31 and the source electrode 32 depending (appropriately and proportionally) on the presence of solutes in the fluid absorbed by the rigid support 2. Indeed, solutes, if present in the fluid, interact with the additive 36 (and in particular are captured due to the molecular fingerprint), modifying the electrophysical properties of the first channel (34) and therefore the current between the electrodes 31 and 32.

[0164] It should be noted that this effect of the solute is determined by its molecular fingerprint and thus, when present in a fluid in contact with the additive 36, it is sandwiched between the fluid and OECT3 such that any electrolytes / ions in the fluid do not interact with said OECT3. This effect can be amplified by the solute defining a constraint on the electrostatic additive 36, thereby varying the conductivity of OECT3.

[0165] The content, and therefore the concentration, of the solute is defined as a function of the difference between the measured current and the reference current. In particular, the presence of the solute is detected when the difference between the measured current and the reference current is at least equal to a detection threshold. Such a detection threshold may, for example, be substantially equal to 1% of the reference current.

[0166] Preferably, the solute content / concentration is directly proportional to the difference between the measured current and the reference current.

[0167] The substrate 4 is able to determine this content / concentration of solutes in accordance with a parameter database and thus with the properties of the rigid support 2 .

[0168] The measurement results of the measured current can be stored in a memory of the substrate 4 .

[0169] Once the measurement phase 240 is completed, the detection procedure 200 may include a plant analysis phase 250 in which a plant analysis of the plant 1b is performed to assess the condition of the plant 1b according to the above content / concentration of solutes and the plant analysis database.

[0170] It should be noted that the plant analysis phase 250 can be executed from the substrate 4. Alternatively, the substrate 4 can transmit, through these connection means, the acquired data (solute content / concentration) to an external unit which executes said plant analysis phase.

[0171] The detection procedure 200 may also include an alert phase 260 in which the substrate 4 transmits an indication of the presence or absence of a fluid, suitably a solute, within the tree, to the interface.

[0172] The plant analytical sensor 1 according to the invention achieves important advantages.

[0173] In particular, in comparison with known sensors, the plant analysis sensor 1 has perfect biocompatibility with plants 1b due to its unique rigid support 2.

[0174] In this embodiment, the sensor 1 will not be rejected by the plant 1b and therefore such an analysis may be carried out for a very long time.

[0175] The main advantage of the sensor 1 is its simplicity of construction and installation / use, as highlighted in the embodiment 100 and detection procedure 200 above.

[0176] Another advantage is that the sensor 1 being able to detect the presence of a predefined solute makes it possible to carry out a precise real-time biochemical characterization of the fluids of the plant 1b and thus to specifically carry out plant analyses, for example detecting that the solute content is equal to a desired content.

[0177] In particular, the sensor 1 makes it possible to carry out a precise continuous monitoring of the state of the stem 1a and thus of the plant 1b over time. This advantage is given by the fact that the rigid support 2 on which the OECT is made is adapted to be inserted into the stem 1a and to absorb fluids from the plant 1b. As a result, the sensor 1 has a structure defined by the support 2, which is a structural function for the OECT 3, and which is rigid and capable of absorbing and being permeated by the fluids of the stem 1a, unlike known OECT sensors which present a "soft" absorbent such as paper or fabric, which is a fluid absorbent and would therefore deform if inserted into a rigid body such as the stem 1a.

[0178] In conclusion, the sensor 1, and in particular the OECT 3, can be inserted into the trunk 1a without suffering even small deformations in the OECT with the same analysis strongly related to the shape of the OECT, which would lead to unpredictable changes in the absorption of fluids, particularly in the response of the sensor 1, resulting in an inability to perform a precise analysis of the tree fluids and therefore an inaccurate phytoanalysis of the plant.

[0179] A further advantage is given by the presence of the first channel (34) with a closed protrusion profile: in fact, as demonstrated by tests carried out by the inventor, having the first channel (34) surrounding the entire section of the support 2 allows for immediate and larger variations in the current during the second configuration and therefore a higher detection accuracy, due to the immediate wetting of the current trend in the first channel (34) by the fluid.

[0180] This ability to perform better analysis is also given by the presence of the sheath 6, which, by absorbing fluids, favors absorption by the same support 2 by allowing it to remain more stagnant in contact with the rigid support 2.

[0181] The main advantage given by the presence of the sheath is that it overlaps with the OECT 3 and is of an electrically insulating material, making it possible to avoid the passage of electric currents between the stem 1a and the OECT 3 that could damage the OECT 3 or the plant 1b.

[0182] The invention is susceptible to variation within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

[0183] For example, OECT 3 may preferably include an additional gate electrode that is sensitive to at least one additional solute in the wood fluid different from that detected by gate electrode 33 .

[0184] In a further example that can be added to the previous one, the plant analysis sensor 1 shown in FIG. 2 can comprise two high sensitivity devices, preferably a first high sensitivity device containing a solute-specific additive 36 (e.g., glucose), and a second high sensitivity device without the additive 36.

[0185] In this case, according to what has been described above, in an insertion phase 210, two sensitive devices are inserted into two different holes 1c of the plant 1b; in a wetting phase 220, the supports 2 of the two sensitive devices absorb tree fluid; and in a setting phase 230, the reference currents of the OECTs 3 of the two sensitive devices are determined.

[0186] In the measurement phase 240, the first sensing device determines a measured current, i.e., the current in OECT3 when affected by the presence of solutes detected by additive 36 and ions (e.g., derived from salts) present in the biological fluid; while the second sensing device determines a measured current, i.e., the current in OECT3 when affected only by ions present in the biological fluid.

[0187] Thus, in the plant analysis phase 250, the presence of the solute is detected as a function of the current difference detected by the two sensitive devices.

[0188] In this context, all the details may be replaced by equivalent elements, materials, shapes and dimensions may be any. (Other possible items) (Item 1) A plant analysis sensor (1) configured to be at least partially inserted into a stem (1a) of a plant (1b), a rigid support (2) designed to be inserted into said stem (1a) and to absorb at least one fluid of said plant (1b); OECT(3), Drain electrode (31); source electrode (32); a conductive first channel (34) connecting the drain electrode (31) to the source electrode (32) and integral with the rigid support (2) so as to be wetted by the fluid absorbed by the rigid support (2); a gate electrode (33) that is sensitive to at least one solute in the fluid and that is configured to interact with the first channel (34) through the fluid absorbed by the rigid support (2) to cause a variation in the current in the first channel (34) and thus between the drain electrode (31) and the source electrode (32) in response to the solute in the fluid; OECT(3) A sensor (1) comprising: (Item 2) 2. The sensor (1) according to claim 1, wherein the OECT (3) is electrically sensitive to the solute and has an additive (36) disposed between its first channel (34) and the rigid support (2); the additive (36) is a MIP made using the solute as a mold molecule. (Item 3) 3. The sensor (1) according to item 1 or 2, comprising a substrate (4) configured to determine the content of the solute in the first channel (34) and thus in response to the change in current between the drain electrode (31) and the source electrode (32). (Item 4) The rigid support (2) has a resistance of substantially 25 N / mm 2 and 50N / mm 2 4. The sensor (1) according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the sensor (1) is realizable with a material having a Brinell hardness of between 0.1 and 0.5% and a porosity of substantially between 50% and 75%. (Item 5) 2. The sensor (1) according to item 1, wherein the rigid support (2) can be made of bamboo or rattan. (Item 6) 6. The sensor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first channel (34) defines a closed-projection profile in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (2a) and passing through the drain electrode (31) and the source electrode (32). (Item 7) 7. The sensor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a sheath (6) covering at least a portion of the rigid support (2) and surrounding the electrodes (31, 32, 33) and the conductive first channel (34) between the rigid support (2) and the sheath (6); the sheath (6) being made of an electrically insulating and hydrophilic material capable of absorbing the fluids of the plant (1b) and therefore being permeated thereby. (Item 8) 8. The sensor (1) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the gate electrode (33) and the source electrode (32) are arranged in a first section of the rigid support (2); and the gate electrode (33) is arranged in a second section of the rigid support (2) that is different from the first section. (Item 9) 9. The sensor (1) according to item 8, wherein the distance between the first section and the second section is substantially between 1 mm and 3 mm. (Item 10) 10. The sensor (1) according to item 8 or 9, wherein the distance between the first section and the second section is substantially equal to the distance between the gate electrode (33) and the source electrode (32). (Item 11) 11. The sensor (1) according to any one of items 8 to 10, wherein the first channel (34) extends along the entire circumference of the first section. (Item 12) A method (100) for constructing a plant analysis sensor (1) configured to be at least partially inserted into a stem (1a) of a plant (1b), comprising: The sensor (1) a rigid support (2) designed to be inserted into said stem (1a) and to absorb at least one fluid of said plant (1b); OECT(3), Drain electrode (31); source electrode (32); a conductive first channel (34) connecting said drain electrode (31) to said source electrode (32); and a gate electrode (33) that is sensitive to at least one solute in the fluid; Including, OECT(3) containing, And, this construction procedure (100) is a construction phase (110) in which the OECT (3) is deposited on the rigid support (2) such that the first channel (34) and the gate electrode (33) are wetted by the fluid absorbed by the rigid support (2), thereby allowing the gate electrode (33) to interact with the first channel (34) through the rigid support (2) in response to the solutes in the fluid, thereby causing a variation in the current in the first channel (34) and thus between the drain electrode (31) and the source electrode (32). A procedure (100) for construction, comprising: (Item 13) In the construction phase (110) the OECT (3) is deposited on the rigid support (2) by adding to at least a part of its circuit (3) an additive (36) that is electrically sensitive to the solute; the additive (36) MIP is made using a mold molecule called the solute, construction procedure (100) according to item 12. (Item 14) A procedure (200) for detecting a solute in a fluid of a plant (1b), comprising a plant analysis sensor (1), said plant analysis sensor (1) comprising: a rigid support (2) designed to be inserted into said stem (1a) and to absorb at least one fluid of said plant (1b); OECT(3), Drain electrode (31); source electrode (32); a conductive first channel (34) connecting said drain electrode (31) to said source electrode (32) and integral with said rigid support (2); a gate electrode (33) that is sensitive to at least one solute in said fluid and that is configured to interact with said first channel (34) through said rigid support (2) to cause a variation in current in said first channel (34), and thus between said drain electrode (31) and said source electrode (32), in response to said solute in the fluid; Including, OECT(3) Including, The detection step comprises: a setup phase (230) of the sensor (1), during which a reference current of the OECT (3) is determined and is unaffected by the solutes in the fluid; a measuring phase (240) for the presence of said solute in said fluid; during such measuring phase, the measured current of the OECT (3) as affected by the solute in the fluid; The reference current is compared to the measured current to determine the presence or absence of the solute. shall be specified, The detection procedure (200) further comprises: (Item 15) A detection procedure (200) according to item 14, comprising a plant analysis database correlating values ​​of physiological parameters of the plant (1b) with said contents of the solutes; and a plant analysis phase (250) in which a plant analysis of the plant (1b) is performed to assess the condition of the plant (1b) according to the solute contents and the plant analysis database.

Claims

1. 1. A plant analysis sensor configured to be at least partially inserted into a stem of a plant, comprising: a rigid support designed to be inserted into said stem and to absorb at least one fluid of said plant; OECT, Drain electrode; Source electrode; a conductive first channel connecting the drain electrode to the source electrode and integral with the rigid support so as to be wetted by the fluid absorbed by the rigid support; a gate electrode that is sensitive to at least one solute in the fluid and configured to interact with the conductive first channel through the fluid absorbed by the rigid support to cause a current variation in the conductive first channel, and thus between the drain electrode and the source electrode, in response to the solute in the fluid; OECT having A sensor comprising:

2. 2. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the OECT is electrically sensitive to the solute and has an additive disposed between its conductive first channel and the rigid support; the additive is a MIP made using the solute as a mold molecule.

3. 2. The sensor of claim 1, comprising a substrate configured to determine the solute content in the conductive first channel and, in turn, in response to the current fluctuations between the drain and source electrodes.

4. The rigid support has a resistance of substantially 25 N / mm ２ and 50 N / mm ２ 13. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the sensor is achievable with a material having a Brinell hardness of between 0.1 and 0.5% and a porosity of substantially between 50% and 75%.

5. The sensor of claim 1 , wherein the rigid support is embodied in bamboo or rattan.

6. The sensor of claim 1 , wherein the conductive first channel defines a closed-projection profile in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and passing through the drain and source electrodes.

7. 2. The sensor of claim 1, comprising a sheath covering at least a portion of the rigid support and surrounding the electrode and the conductive first channel between the rigid support and the sheath; the sheath being made of an electrically insulating and hydrophilic material capable of absorbing the fluids of the plant and therefore being permeated thereby.

8. 8. The sensor of claim 1, wherein the gate electrode and the source electrode are disposed on a first section of the rigid support; and the gate electrode is disposed on a second section of the rigid support that is different from the first section.

9. The sensor of claim 8 , wherein the distance between the first section and the second section is substantially between 1 mm and 3 mm.

10. The sensor of claim 8 , wherein a distance between the first section and the second section is substantially equal to the distance between the gate electrode and the source electrode.

11. The sensor of claim 8 , wherein the conductive first channel extends along an entire periphery of the first section.

12. 1. A methodology for constructing a plant analysis sensor configured to be at least partially inserted into a stem of a plant, comprising: The plant analysis sensor includes: a rigid support designed to be inserted into said stem and to absorb at least one fluid of said plant; OECT, Drain electrode; Source electrode; a conductive first channel connecting the drain electrode to the source electrode; and a gate electrode sensitive to at least one solute in the fluid; Including, OECT containing, And this construction procedure is: a construction phase in which the OECT is deposited on the rigid support such that the conductive first channel and the gate electrode are wetted by the fluid absorbed by the rigid support, thereby allowing the gate electrode to interact with the conductive first channel through the rigid support in response to the solutes in the fluid, thereby causing a variation in the current in the conductive first channel and thus between the drain and source electrodes. A construction procedure comprising:

13. 13. The construction procedure of claim 12, wherein in the construction phase the OECT is deposited on the rigid support by adding an additive to at least a part of its circuit that is electrically sensitive to the solute; the additive MIP is made using a mold molecule called the solute.

14. 1. A method for detecting a solute in a plant fluid, comprising: a rigid support designed to be inserted into the stem and to absorb at least one fluid of said plant; OECT, Drain electrode; Source electrode a conductive first channel connecting the drain electrode to the source electrode and integral with the rigid support; a gate electrode sensitive to at least one solute in the fluid and configured to interact with the conductive first channel through the rigid support to cause a variation in current in the conductive first channel, and thus between the drain electrode and the source electrode, in response to the solute in the fluid; Including, OECT Including, The detection step comprises: a setup phase of the plant analytical sensor, in which a reference current of the OECT is determined and is unaffected by the solutes in the fluid; and measuring the presence of said solute in said fluid; During such a measurement phase, A measured current of the OECT as affected by the solute in the fluid; and The presence of the solute is detected by comparing the reference current to the measured current. Shall be specified, Detection procedure.

15. 15. The detection procedure according to claim 14, comprising: a plant analysis database correlating values ​​of physiological parameters of the plant with the content of the solute; and a plant analysis phase in which a plant analysis of the plant is performed to evaluate the condition of the plant according to the content of the solute and the plant analysis database.

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