We know theoretically that innumerable, complex and dynamic interactions are going between soil solution and plant root interface. As to me the knowledge we have about physical and biochemical interactions occurring at the interface between soil solution and roots is based on analysis of individual chemicals and reaction pathways. But we don’t have holistic knowledge of all chemical reactions occurring at once in the interface. This is because the current technology cannot simulate all the myriad of reactions occurring in soil-root interface in nature. At this point, I might not have updated myself with the current advance in this area, I apologize and let me learn.
Dear Wassie,
In the cell-based biosensor from Attana, you can perform interaction analysis of cells or tissues with proteins and similar in human sera. I would assume that you would be able to put roots cut in someway on the senor and have it in a soil solution. Probably much work is needed but maybe a starting point.
Good luck!
Teodor
All biochemical reactions - Not possible, biosensors are quite specific
Dear Teodor Aestrup,
Thank you very much for your response but I didn’t say root separated from other parts of the plant. I said the root of live plant and soil solution interaction. In short is there a biosensor that can sense and record the various chemical reactions occurring between the roots of live plant and soil solution in situ.
Dear Mila Pravda
Thank you also for the information that there is no sensor that can sense and record all reactions occurring in the interface between plant roots and roots. If that is the case engineers and biologists will work together to develop such biosensor in the future. This I think will contribute significantly to our understanding of principles that govern and regulate the uptake, translocation and assimilations nutrients by plants and source-sink relationship.
Dear Wassie Haile, it is possible to monitor certain analytes - Ions such as potassium, sodium, chloride, nitrate, phosphate, etc. with ion-selective electrodes. It is possible to monitor dissolved gasses such as oxygen and carbon dioxide in cell respiration using gas sensors. It is possible to monitor small organic molecules such as urea, growth hormones, phenols. It depends on what is your project focused on.
Dear Mila Pravda,
Thank you very much for the information. I was suspecting that such selective sensors are available and you have confirmed me that such sensors are already available. My wish is if there is a sensor which can sense all the chemical reactions going on in the soil solution-Plant root interface at once, monitors the dynamics of reaction. Under in situ conditions where plants are growing actively, roots are continuously exudate several compounds, ions etc., several ions of different elements are transported to the roots and taken up by root cells, microorganisms interact with soil solution, plants and take some ions and release anther ions and compounds. At the same time the various chemical reaction: synthesis, breakdown, precipitation , uptake of ions etc. occurring in the soil solution-root interface are dynamic, change in response to change in temperature, soil water levels, aeration etc. Thus, if someone succeed in developing such sensor, it will be possible to understand the whole than single reaction, which may not be representative of the holistic reactions occurring in the soil solution-root interface.
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