The purpose of this developed biosensor is for the early detection of three major rice diseases in Malaysia (i.e., bacterial leaf blight - BLB, bacterial leaf streak-BLS and blast diseases) to prevent loss of yield due to pathogen infections. This biosensor comprised of two components: (i) a handheld /portable electrochemical biosensor reader that will eventually be innovative on-site rice disease detection tool prior to the appearance of any visual symptoms so that corrective measures can be taken to prevent the spread of disease; and (ii) biosensor strip (i.e. screen-printed carbon electrode). The functionalized SPCEs showed good selectivity and sensitivity due to detection as low as 10^2 CFU/mL and 10^3 conidia/mL for P.oryzae. Modification of screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) was achieved via electrodeposition of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and polypyrole (Ppy) networks on the surface, followed by antibody immobilization. The labelled antibody (i.e. antibody-HRP) is required in the sandwich type assay format in the functionalized SPCE for the indirect detection of targeted rice diseases’ agents. The binding interaction between the enzyme and its substrate will generate an electrochemical signal, and this signal (in uA unit) will be displayed, measured, and recorded. The data collected by the reader will be stored on a dedicated web server, whereby the authority agencies can access this data for further real-time monitoring. Eventually, in the long run, the data collected could be gathered and analysed to form location-mapping or trend-mapping of the disease's spread and occurrence. Furthermore, it is cost-effective and efficient. Our target audience are in agricultural sectors
3X faster in detecting BLB infection
100X more sensitive compare to current test method
5X cheaper than current test method