Communication with Plants Using Wearable Electrophysiology Sensors

Different parts and organs of a plant communicate using various forms of signals to optimize resource allocation and coordinate systemic responses to environmental stimuli for survival and growth. Investigating these communication processes is important to understanding plants' perception of environments and well-being as well as engineering approaches to improve plant health or induce desired behaviors. We aim to achieve this through electrophysiology, the study of electrical signals in plants, due to the simplicity of sensor design and rich biological insights buried in the signals.<br/>In this talk, I will share my work on developing plant-interfacing materials for high-fidelity signal acquisition from plants having complex surface topography (e.g., hairy, rough, superhydrophobic), as well as achieving long-term stability during plant growth. The conformal adhesive attachment of the devices on plants makes them resistant to motion artifacts, and the noninvasive wearable form factor promises the potential for real-world deployment in farms and gardens.<br/>I will discuss possible applications of this technology in plant health monitoring, environment optimization, crop breeding, and robotic control, by giving examples. Electrophysiology sensors, together with other modes of plant wearable sensors, will play a role in the sustainable development of human society.