The development of sensing and processing technologies enabled by nanotechnology and nanomaterials, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data science, to serve the agricultural, food, environmental, and energy sectors, remains the central goal of the NC-1194 multistate project. Even though great progress has been made in the scientific understanding of nanoscale phenomena and molecular mechanisms of interactions between nanomaterials and biological systems, much remains to be explored. For example, how can nanotechnology and nanomaterials be effectively utilized to address the need for rapid and reliable detection and mitigation of pathogens that impact agricultural and food systems? How do artificial/synthesized nanomaterials impact the environment and ecosystems? How can nanotechnology be used to improve food security? How can the vast quantity of data collected via nano-enabled biosensors be used to support AI-enabled decision-making? These are just several examples among many that call for further investigation and exploration at the crossroads of biosensors, nanotechnology, AI, and data science that impact agricultural, food, environmental, and other biological systems.

Our proposed work aligns well with the new priorities set by the Secretary of Agriculture’s memorandum No. 0253.25. Specifically, our research on biosensors and nanotechnology will help increase profitability of farms and ranches, expand markets for new uses of U.S. agricultural products, protect the integrity of American agriculture from invasive species, promote soil health, and improve human health through precision nutrition and food quality.