Nitrate Biosensor for Agricultural Applications

NECi, The Nitrate Elimination Company, Inc., is dedicated to the application of enzyme technologies to the solution of environmental problems. NECi has developed a line of nitrate test kits for agriculture (Ag-NTKs) that provide reliable, semi-quantitative information on nitrate content of soil, runoff, standing crops, and silage samples. The basic method, nitrate detection based in the enzyme nitrate reductase, and the test kits themselves have undergone validation studies at USDA, USGS, and NRCS labs. NECi has also been engaged in development of new forms of nitrate reductase, and production of these proteins in quantity in the yeast protein expression system Pichia pastoris. New developments in biosensor research have encouraged NECi to increase investment of resources in biosensor research. Specifically, researchers have described a simple and inexpensive method to remove the oxygen interference that can complicate detection of the signal from reduction reactions. This enables simplified sensor design and makes it possible to envision devices that agricultural producers and their technical service providers can afford. NECi proposes to produce a prototype Nitrate Biosensor with built-in ease of use and computerized handling and storage of results. The NECi Nitrate Biosensor design will be similar to a blood glucose meter where the electronic device is battery operated and testing is done with disposable electrodes. The availability of simple, affordable, and reliable devices for detection and monitoring of nitrate will assist the agricultural community to utilize nitrogenous inputs more effectively, benefiting farm economics as well as the rural environment.