Scientists Use Silk Needles to Deliver Nutrients and Track Toxins in Crops
Scientists from MIT and Singapore have designed hollow microneedles made from silk to help farmers feed crops more precisely and track their health more effectively. The technology marks a step forward in sustainable farming.
Traditional spraying of chemicals can lead to significant waste and environmental harm. These silk microneedles can directly deliver agrochemicals or nutrients into the plant stem, reducing the loss of valuable materials.
The research team demonstrated success in treating chlorosis in tomato plants using iron-filled microneedles. They also injected vitamin B12 into plants, enriching the tomatoes before harvest. Normally added after harvest, vitamin
B12 can now be absorbed during growth.
The microneedles were made using silk protein and salt solutions in cone-shaped molds. As water evaporated, salt left behind hollow channels in the needles. These needles can be produced at low cost and without expensive lab equipment.
“It’s a pretty simple fabrication process. It can be done outside of a clean room — you could do it in your kitchen if you wanted,” a researcher explained.
Researchers also tested the microneedles' ability to detect toxins like cadmium.
In one study, the needles detected cadmium in hydroponic tomatoes within 15 minutes. Current methods for detecting crop problems often take longer or damage the plant.
With this new method, farmers could collect sap easily and monitor nutrients or stress levels over time. This could help prevent crop failure and ensure more consistent yields.
The microneedles could also be attached to automated farming tools, making it easier to apply at scale. This technique not only benefits agriculture but also shows potential for use in health and biomedical fields.
The research was supported by U.S. and Singaporean institutions aiming to develop smart, sustainable agricultural systems.