SENS4CORN is targeted to strengthen intersectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration in optical composite nanomaterials for optical chemical sensors. The project concept is shown in Figure 1. The main project goal is development of novel optical nanocomposite sensors for analysis of micro and macro elements in corn plants. We will design Schiff bases (SB) and Metal organic frameworks (MOF) with tailored properties as receptors of target ions, fabricate novel ZnO-SB and ZnO-MOF nanocomposites with advances optical and sensitive properties towards target anions and cations, present in corn as micro and macro elements. The sensitive nanocomposites will be integrated into microfluidic system, combined with fiber optic detection system. The system will be used for validation of real corn samples. The sensing system will reduce time and cost of the measurements by standard chromatography methods. The sensing system has good potential of commercialization in agriculture sector as a new rapid service for corn growth analysis for small and medium farm companies. The project is interdisciplinary and it involves material science, chemistry, surface science, optical, analytical chemistry, nanotechnology and agriculture. The project will create new service for improvement of agriculture production, thus improving industrial and health potential of EU citizens.
During the project, research and management training will be provided to technicians, experienced and early stage researchers to strengthen their personal skills, improve their track record and expertise via new scientific papers and conference presentations and strengthen a development of EU research human resources. Long lasting collaboration between partners, based on co-supervising students and preparation of novel collaborative project proposals is foreseen. Dissemination of project results will make an impact on agriculture sector and EU research potential in the fields of material science, nanotechnology and optical sensors.
Objectives
On the basis of the state of the art and research hypothesis we propose the following research objectives:
-to develop nanocomposites ZnO-Metal Organic Framework (MOF) and ZnO-Schiff base (SB) nanocomposites with tunable structure, optical and electronic properties
-to investigate sensitive properties of photoluminescence ZnO-MOF and ZnO-SB nanocomposites to metal ions and anions (PO4-, NO3-, Zn2+, K+, Na+)
-to propose mechanisms of sensitivity towards target ions
-to integrate the sensor elements with microfluidic and portable optical systems.
-to develop protocol of real maize samples probe preparation and perform in field testing of micro- and macro- elements for corn samples
The project partners propose following staff training and development, knowledge transfer and the project dissemination objectives:
1. To enhance Early Stage and Experienced researchers potential to make a significant contribution to development of novel functional nanocomposites, their integration with optical systems and microfluidics for agriculture sensors through effective training and collaborative research;
2. To promote industry-academia and cross-disciplinary knowledge transfer in material science, fabrication and characterization of nanocomposites, applied optics, chromatography methods, surface functionalization, plant’s biophysics and in-field evaluation of maize plants;
3. To promote industry-academia knowledge exchange in market analysis and commercialization of research results, project writing and management, patenting and protection of intellectual properties;
4. To disseminate the project results to wide scientific community via new research papers, conference theses, new research proposals, organizing summer schools, scientific seminars and workshops and to wide audience via outreach activities (papers, Internet, open lectures, social networks, etc.).
The fulfilment of these objectives will influence:
1. Development and effective application of new materials and optical methods for analysis of the plant’s health;
2. Development and commercialization of novel optical chemical sensors;
3. Increase a plant yield by growth control in early stage;
4. Strengthening of collaboration between industry and academia.
