NC_temp1194: Nanotechnology and Biosensors
(Multistate Research Project)
Status: Draft Project
NC_temp1194: Nanotechnology and Biosensors
Duration: 10/01/2026 to 09/30/2031
Administrative Advisor(s):
NIFA Reps:
Non-Technical Summary
Statement of Issues and Justification
The development of sensing and processing technologies enabled by nanotechnology and nanomaterials, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data science, that can better serve the needs of the agricultural, food, environment, and energy sectors, remains to be the central issue to be addressed by 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 remain to be explored. For example, how can nanotechnology and nanomaterials be effectively utilized to address the need of rapid and reliable detection and mitigation of pathogens that impact agricultural and food systems? How do artificial/synthesized nanomaterials impact the environment and ecosystem? 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 crossroad of biosensors, nanotechnology, AI, and data science that impact agriculture, food, environment, and beyond.
USDA science and research strategy 2023-2026 lists five priorities. Priority 1 is “accelerating innovative technologies and practices”, which calls for “technology-enabled decision support system” and “collaborative intelligence tools” to support US agriculture in particular. Biosensors and nanotechnology are among the research areas that directly support this priority. Objective 1-3 addresses this priority by enabling nanotechnology-based smart sensors for detection while considering the current context of sustainable development and environmental/health implications of engineered nanomaterials. Priority 3 is “bolstering nutrition security and health”, which requires “predictive analytics and data transparency” that are needed to better monitor “pathogen virulence factors” that affect agricultural and food systems, and construct food systems to better serve American consumers.
Priority 4 is “cultivating resilient ecosystems”, which includes genomics and genome editing, microbiome research, sustainable terrestrial?- and aquatic ecosystems, as well as infectious diseases and pest control. For all these priority areas, biosensors and nanotechnology are indispensable tools that could play significant roles in addressing compelling problems. As addressed in objective 4, rapid responses to food safety concerns in processed foods and/or to crops and livestock epidemics require fast and accurate detection and assessment of pathogenic virulence factors, which requires further advances in biosensor technology, nanotechnology, and AI-powered data analytics to create more user-friendly and accurate tools and techniques. Novel biosensors could support more effective and rapid monitoring of crop growth, animal welfare, and environmental health, leading to improved practices that reduce costs while boosting productivity, ultimately safeguarding both food security and ecological sustainability in the long term.
Finally, priority 5 is “translating research into action”, which calls for better communication, education, and workforce development to meet the needs of US agriculture. Objective 5 of the NC-1194 project aligns well with this priority; we aim to “Develop instructional modules to educate and prepare the future workforce on nanofabrication, biosensing, AI and ML tools, and risks posed by nanomaterials, and engage with industry partners to commercialize the developed technologies”. Our ultimate goal in this renewed effort is to advance biosensors- and nanotechnology-based technologies and application to enhance productivity and economic efficiency of the US agriculture to better serve our national interests and the American public for the next five years and beyond.
Related, Current and Previous Work
Objectives
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Enable nanotechnology-based smart sensors for accurate, reliable, cost-effective, onsite, and rapid detection of various entities relevant to agricultural, plant, and animal production, food supply chain, and environmental systems
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Support the sustainable development of nano-based products and technologies for agricultural production, post-harvest processing, and packaging of nutritious and healthful food.
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Assess environmental and health implications of engineered nanomaterials in agricultural, terrestrial, and aquatic systems.
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Integrate AI and ML tools with nano/biosensors and other nanoscale systems derived data for effective decision support for agricultural and food security, safety, and sustainability.
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Develop instructional modules to educate and prepare the future workforce on nanofabrication, biosensing, AI and ML tools, and nanomaterials-posed risks and engage with industry partners to commercialize the developed technologies.