A research team led by Professor Takeo Miyake at Waseda University has developed a flexible, needle type biosensor capable of continuously monitoring sucrose levels inside living plants. The innovative sensor featuring a multi enzyme system provides real time, in vivo tracking of sugar transport, addressing a long standing challenge in plant physiology.

The biosensor revealed daily rhythms of sucrose flow in strawberry guava and uncovered light dependent sucrose uptake through stomata in Japanese cedar, a previously unconfirmed pathway. Under light exposure, sucrose absorbed through cedar leaves was detected in the stem, suggesting that stomata can act as entry points for dissolved sugars.

The device demonstrated high sensitivity (down to 100 µM), a wide detection range (up to 60 mM), fast response (90 seconds), and stability over 72 hours. Designed to minimize tissue damage, the sensor was inserted into plant stems and fruits, operating effectively even in the presence of plant metabolites.

“This is the first direct evidence of real time sucrose uptake through stomata,” Miyake said. “It opens the door to rethinking how plants absorb and distribute nutrients.”

Future versions aim to be wireless and field ready, expanding potential applications in agriculture, crop monitoring, and plant development research.

Source: https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/news/85315