Microsensors in plant biology: in vivo visualization of inorganic analytes with high spatial and/or temporal resolution

Abstract

This Expert View provides an update on the recent development of new microsensors, and briefly summarizes some novel applications of existing microsensors, in plant biology research. Two major topics are covered: (i) sensors for gaseous analytes (O2, CO2, and H2S); and (ii) those for measuring concentrations and fluxes of ions (macro- and micronutrients and environmental pollutants such as heavy metals). We show that application of such microsensors may significantly advance understanding of mechanisms of plant-environmental interaction and regulation of plant developmental and adaptive responses under adverse environmental conditions via non-destructive visualization of key analytes with high spatial and/or temporal resolution. Examples included cover a broad range of environmental situations including hypoxia, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity. We highlight the power of combining microsensor technology with other advanced biophysical (patch-clamp, voltage-clamp, and single-cell pressure probe), imaging (MRI and fluorescent dyes), and genetic techniques and approaches. We conclude that future progress in the field may be achieved by applying existing microsensors for important signalling molecules such as NO and H2O2, by improving selectivity of existing microsensors for some key analytes (e.g. Na, Mg, and Zn), and by developing new microsensors for P.

Plant phenotyping relevance

植物内の無機分析物を高空間・時間分解能で可視化するマイクロセンサー技術の開発と応用を中心に扱うレビューであり、植物の生理状態を測定する方法論が主題である。

Code and data availability

This is a review article on microsensors in plant biology. The supplied blocks describe techniques (MIFE, NMT, microsensors) and cite prior studies, but contain no public phenotype/trait datasets, plant images, author analysis code, trained models, or supplements with such assets. No availability or deposit statements,

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