Implantable Fiber Sensor for Continuous Monitoring of Light-Regulated Ascorbic Acid Dynamics

View at publisher
Authors: Jie Zhu, Jie Xia, Xin Liu, Xuewei Yang, Yuxiang Pan, Chunpeng Kang, Xiaoyan Chang, Jing Zhao, Yanhong Zhao, Jianfeng Ping
Cited by: 3
References: 36

Abstract

Understanding how light dynamically regulates ascorbic acid (AA) levels is essential for improving crop nutritional quality. However, the dynamic regulation of AA by light in vivo remains unclear, since conventional methods rely on destructive sampling and only provide static data. To address this, we develop an implantable fiber sensor functionalized with a dual-atomic nanozyme for minimally invasive, long-term tracking of AA in living plants. The implantable fiber sensor integrates a hierarchical nanobio interface composed of a Co–Fe dual-atomic nanozyme (CoFe-DAzyme) and an antifouling hydrogel, achieving a detection limit of 0.081 μM in plant bleeding sap and remaining functional for up to 7 days postimplantation. Employing this sensor in lettuce, we uncover rapid, light-dependent AA fluctuations, directly revealing how dynamic light environments fine-tune this key nutritional metabolite. Our work not only establishes a versatile sensing platform but also provides direct mechanistic insight into the light-regulated improvement of crop nutritional quality.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Analytical Chemistry and Sensors Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials Hydrogels: synthesis properties applications

Publication details

Journal / source
ACS Nano
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Volume
20
Issue
15
Pages
11624–11636
Publication date
6 April 2026
Language
EN