Biodegradable sensors could boost crops and reduce e-waste

Developed by engineers from Glasgow University in collaboration with colleagues from the Łukasiewicz Institute of Microelectronics and Photonic (IMiF), the senors are made from electronic materials which degrade into plant nutrients, acting as fertiliser to help crops grow.

In a statement, project lead Professor Jeff Kettle of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering, said: “We urgently need to find a way to make digital agriculture more sustainable in the years to come. Currently, around 80 per cent of the world’s electronics head straight to landfill once they’ve reached the end of their useful life, which creates massive environmental and public health challenges from the toxic materials which many of them contain.

“We’re keen to continue expanding our biodegradable sensor’s ability to detect other key indicators of plant growth and soil health. That could include adding sensitivity to ‘forever chemicals’ like PFAs, which have significant environmental impact.”

Improving sustainability

The biodegradable front-end sensors are paired with conventional electronics to monitor crop health. The team said their modular approach enhances the reusability of the overall existing electronic systems and significantly reduces electronic waste.