Sepideh attended the Eurosensor Conference in Debrecen, Hungary, from 1-4 September 2024. She delivered an oral presentation on the Rizosheet Chip, developed by our former colleague, Dr. Daniel Patko. Rizosheet is a paper-based microfluidic chip designed to investigate plant root exudates. It is well established that plant roots release a wide range of chemicals, known as root exudates, to attract beneficial microbes. However, little is known about the exact location and timing of this exudation. By integrating an alginate-based colorimetric sensor, such as a glucose sensor, into the chip, we can spatially and temporally monitor the chemicals exuded by living roots. This approach also provides detailed insights into phenotypic differences between plant varieties. The device is cost-effective, easy to produce, and user-friendly, potentially revolutionizing future agricultural methodologies.

Well done Sepi!